Incorrect steel delays Christchurch airport hotel opening

Friday, 4 August 2017

The supply of incorrect steel has held up building of Christchurch airport's newest hotel.

A mistake with steel for Christchurch airport's new 200-room hotel has delayed its opening by several months.

The $80m Novotel Christchurch Airport due to for completion in December will now open in late January or early February..

An artist's impression of the 4.5 star hotel that will now open at Christchurch airport early next year.

Christchurch airport chief executive Malcolm Johns said some of the New Zealand-supplied steel did not meet requirements.

Contractor Fletcher Construction's quality control processes picked up the issue prior to it being used in construction, he said, but re-supplying led to the delay.

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'While we are disappointed the project is currently behind schedule, we're comfortable with the level of workmanship and quality of materials being used.'

A Fletcher spokesperson said there had been no issue with steel quality on the project.

'The incorrect grade of steel was supplied for some of the bracing elements but this was identified on site and has been corrected.'

When asked who would be responsible for any costs related to the delay Johns indicated it would not be the airport.

'We don't expect the delay to have a negative impact on our investment in the project.

'We see the implications of this as an issue for the contractor to resolve.'

Fletcher Construction did not respond to questions about its possible exposure to any costs arising from the error.

The company has already faced major cost overruns on the new $300m justice precinct in Christchurch.

The Warren and Mahoney-designed hotel is the airport company's second foray into the accommodation market - it also invested in the Jucy Snooze pod hotel which opened on the airport campus last year.

Both projects have raised the ire of central city tourism and hospitality businesses worried they encourage visitors to fly in and drive on to other destinations without venturing into the CBD.

But Johns said they were a direct response to airline and passenger requests for more short-term airport accommodation