“We’ve gone from the depths of recession into a very rapid growth phase. There’s a new city to be built down here, and it’s phenomenally exciting,” Mr Leighs says.
“We intend to play a key leadership role in the reconstruction of Christchurch.”
Leighs Construction Ltd has a busy road ahead of it. The company has been contracted to build temporary retail structures in the central city, and is also working alongside American contractor Grant Mackay Demolition Co to take down a number of multi-storey buildings in Christchurch.
“We continue to work on the first new building within Christchurch’s four avenues (Bealey, Fitzgerald, Moorhouse and Deans), and we’ve just finished the first building to be finished since the quakes,” Mr Leighs says.
“We and the greater team at Leighs Construction are very excited about the role we have to play in Christchurch, and we’re looking for high calibre people to join our team.
“We’ve got a number of projects on the go which are not necessarily earthquake-related as well, including reinvigorating Burger King’s facilities. So it’s busy times ahead,” he says.
Judges awarded Leighs Construction Ltd the national Tourism and Leisure Project award in November last year for its build of Les Mills Christchurch – City Club.
“[The award] is recognition of our high quality service delivery, and it’s also a fantastic piece of praise for our team that was involved with the project,” Mr Leighs says.
“Les Mills was a special project for us. We were delighted to be involved in something unique and challenging. It’s something that we as a team are incredibly proud of,” he says.
Judges said the multi-floored, purpose-built building is energising, reflecting the character of the client company.
“This is a beautifully built project. This new gym is leading the way for Les Mills in New Zealand, making it the envy of members elsewhere,” judges said.
Mr Leighs highly recommends the competition to fellow Registered Master Builders. “Give it a shot, get amongst it and enhance it. It’s fantastic for both your team and your marketing,” he says.
“Registered Master Builders is the pre-eminent membership organisation for the New Zealand construction industry, and it provides great support.”
The Canterbury Registered Master Builders PlaceMakers 2011 House of the Year and RMB Commercial Project Awards will take place on Friday, September 2 — the last of the competition’s 14 regional events.
The Awards are made possible through the support of principal sponsor PlaceMakers, and supporting sponsors James Hardie, Gib Living ®, Pink® Batts® Ultra® (Tasman Insulation), Nulook and the Department of Building and Housing.
For more information about the competition, go to www.masterbuilder.org.nz.
