Projects
Waikato Regional Renal Centre
Client
- Te Whatu Ora
Project Leads
Sector
Location
- Waikato – Bay of Plenty
Started in September 2022, the Waikato Regional Renal Centre is undergoing a critical relocation effort, driven by the need to find a more suitable environment for the hospital’s acute inpatient mental health unit. To make way, the renal centre has been shifted to a new site repurposed from tennis and squash courts. The changes represent a commitment to enhancing acute mental health inpatient care and provide a serene, quieter environment away from busy main roads.
Named Te Pureoranga, the new renal centre development is a state-of-the-art, 64-chair unit, complete with advanced training suites designed to empower patients to manage their dialysis treatments at home. This facility aims to blend cutting-edge medical care with thoughtful patient education.
RCP took on dual roles as project and design managers, a necessity underscored by previous challenges. The team’s expertise ensured strong design management, crucial in navigating the complex requirements and expectations of this significant healthcare initiative. RCP’s experience delivering complex projects in live health campuses has been invaluable in securing critical approvals, including traffic management.
Despite meticulous planning, the project faced considerable hurdles, including unexpected costs due to contaminated soil and unforeseen ground conditions (e.g., liquefaction) that necessitated additional testing and piling. Logistical challenges, particularly regarding complex and unexpected utility services that served neighbouring sites, and traffic management, further complicated the project's progression. A focus on scheduled daily and weekly stakeholder communication and careful mitigation of identified risk has kept the project on programme.
These challenges have underscored the importance of thorough site due diligence and proactive testing. By addressing these aspects early in future projects, similar unforeseen costs and delays could be mitigated.
Key to the project has been the integration of cultural elements in design. The active involvement of local iwi has played a vital role in shaping the patient pathways, ensuring the patient’s experience - from arrival to departure - is as positive and seamless as possible. Their input has extended beyond simple aesthetics and has influence the entire patient journey to enhance comfort and accessibility.
Māori artists also contributed significantly to the design by integrating symbolic and historical elements. These artworks, ranging from glass etchings to wayfinding decals, not only beautified the space but also provided cultural context and upliftment, creating a more welcoming and enriching environment for patients and visitors alike.
Environmental sustainability was another key focus, with the project pursuing Green Star accreditation, reflecting its commitment to eco-friendly practices. Engaging an Independent Commissioning Agent (ICA) further ensured the building's systems were meticulously reviewed and optimised.
