The Deloitte Centre

The Deloitte Centre (formerly HSBC House) is the final component of Precinct Properties Commercial Bay development in downtown Auckland.  It’s a striking addition to Auckland’s skyline, rising 21 levels in a prime waterfront location. It features a rooftop bar and restaurant and includes the Intercontinental Hotel spanning the sixth to eleventh floors. With 139 guest rooms offering stunning views, the hotel provides amenities (including Club Lounge and 24-hour fitness centre) and direct access to Commercial Bay and the rooftop facilities. Additionally, the building offers 14,300m² of premium office space. 

RCP provided comprehensive project management services, from concept design to detailed design, procurement management, and construction management including the fit-out of the hotel, food and beverage, and private office suites. A project of this scale is not without its challenges and demanded careful management from meticulous facade stripping - while preserving structural elements - to navigating unexpected discoveries such as asbestos in inaccessible areas. Significant floor discrepancies also necessitated adjustments, while the integration of new services posed challenges due to varied spatial requirements and ceiling heights. 

The building, constructed in the 1960s, also had inaccurate as-built drawings. Limited space and unexpected obstacles underscored the importance of verifying existing conditions before proceeding with fit-outs. Although point cloud scans were conducted during earlier phases, the phased handover prevented a comprehensive scan at the project's outset and highlighted the necessity of early, thorough scans to avoid discrepancies. 

Amidst these complexities, COVID-19 necessitated project redesigns, reshaping the hotel's footprint and expanding office areas to adapt to evolving market conditions. The project also encountered unforeseen flooding  events, requiring a full rebuild of the lift shafts. Basement water ingress during redevelopment, exacerbated by the nearby CRL tunnel construction, prompted the installation of a specialised water management system. Despite setbacks like severe weather and operational disruptions, the team’s resilience and proactive approach ensured continuous progress and minimised impacts on project timelines. 

Integral to the project’s success was RCP’s collaboration with specialists and local Iwi artists including Beronia Scott and Te Pūawai Ōrākei Marae, embedding culturally significant artwork and sustainable practices throughout the development. Public spaces feature extensive iwi designs, with a Green Roof showcasing Chris Bailey’s Pou sculpture and that offers panoramic views complemented by programmed lighting simulating rainwater cascades—a celebration of aesthetic innovation and environmental stewardship. 

A commitment to safety and sustainability underscored every phase, from demolition using climbing screens for enhanced worker safety, to achieving significant carbon savings through the reuse of existing structures. Despite programme challenges stemming from COVID-19 and severe weather disruptions, rigorous planning and proactive client engagement enabled progress to maintain momentum. 

Commercial Bay and the Deloitte Centre stand as a testament to collaboration, innovation, and community enhancement, enriching Auckland’s built environment with its blend of historical reverence, modern design, and sustainable practices. As the development continues to evolve with new tenants making it their new home, the Centre sets a benchmark for future urban projects.