Ōtepoti ACC Building

The Dunedin waterfront has long held significant historical and cultural importance. Now the focus of a major construction project by ACC in collaboration with Ngāi Tahu, the 8,000m² state-of-the-art development has provided an opportunity to blend modern development with the rich tapestry of the past.

Named Ōtepoti ACC Dunedin, the new $45m, four-storey development on historic Dunedin Street will bring together four separate ACC premises and close to 650 staff under one roof. Meticulous planning and execution, especially in managing archaeological aspects, have ensured the preservation and celebration of this heritage while delivering a modern office building fit for ACC’s needs. 

RCP have provided a comprehensive suite of services for both the enabling works and the construction of the new building. Services including Client Representation, Contract Administration, Procurement, Programming, and Construction Management.      

RCP helped to tailor the strategy for the Dunedin market. As a relatively old city, the area is known for its poor ground conditions. As such, site excavations, land remediation, and piling happened up front and in parallel with the archaeological investigations to mitigate any in-ground risks before the design was completed and the main contractor was appointed.    

As demolition reached ground level, the project revealed a trove of archaeological treasures, including the footings of old churches and schools. These discoveries underscored the site’s historical significance, highlighting its use by early European settlers for activities like bartering and interacting with ships. As excavation progressed, the site continued to yield remarkable archaeological finds. The significance of these discoveries required careful and continuous archaeological monitoring, which became a critical part of the project's resource consent conditions. 

The site’s archaeological significance added its own layer of complexity to the process, including meticulous monitoring of site works. It was once the heart of Dunedin’s early commercial development – basement walls and foundations from buildings completed in the 1870s were uncovered. Further back in time it was a waka landing site, and a place for food gathering and trade.