Queen Street Infrastructure Upgrade
Renewing the heart of Richmond.
Project Overview
Client Tasman District Council
Location Richmond, Tasman
Service Three Waters Infrastructure
Project Value $3.5M
Duration 2018
Completed May 2018
-
$3.5M town centre infrastructure upgrade
Stormwater, wastewater and service renewals
Deep excavations up to 4 metres
Live sewer over-pumping during construction
Completed in a busy commercial environment
High-quality reinstatement and pavement construction
-
Queen Street sits at the heart of Richmond's commercial centre, making it one of the region's busiest and most important transport corridors. Upgrading ageing underground infrastructure in such a highly visible environment required far more than technical capability—it demanded careful planning, precise staging and constant coordination.
The project involved replacing major stormwater, wastewater and underground services, including pipelines up to 1200mm in diameter. Deep excavations of up to four metres, live sewer over-pumping and extensive pavement reconstruction all had to be undertaken while maintaining safe access for businesses, residents and the wider community.
The project presented far more than a conventional pipeline installation. The proposed alignment crossed an operational school, a former landfill site, busy public roads, recreational facilities and existing underground services. The original construction methodology also relied on long directional drill installations, introducing significant technical, financial and programme risk before construction had even begun.
-
Projects like this are measured just as much by what doesn't happen as what does.
Businesses needed to remain accessible, traffic had to continue flowing and disruption to the town centre had to be carefully managed. At the same time, the quality of every underground asset was critical, as much of the infrastructure would remain hidden for decades after construction was complete. Achieving programme certainty while maintaining public confidence required disciplined planning, proactive communication and uncompromising quality control throughout the project.
-
Tasman Civil assembled an experienced project team capable of managing the technical complexity of deep urban infrastructure works while maintaining a collaborative relationship with Tasman District Council and Stantec throughout delivery. Careful sequencing allowed multiple work fronts to progress efficiently, while robust trench support systems, dewatering methods and live sewer over-pumping enabled construction to continue safely in challenging ground conditions.
Quality remained a constant focus from excavation through to final reinstatement. The team delivered precise pipe installation, high-standard concrete benching, manhole construction and flexible joint installation, supported by comprehensive testing and commissioning before assets were brought into service.
Working in the centre of Richmond also demanded strong stakeholder engagement. Tasman Civil maintained close communication with nearby property owners and businesses, responding quickly to issues and ensuring construction impacts were managed professionally as work progressed.
-
The Queen Street Infrastructure Upgrade has strengthened the resilience and capacity of Richmond's underground services, providing modern stormwater and wastewater infrastructure beneath one of the district's most important commercial streets.
Completed to a high quality with minimal rework, the project demonstrated Tasman Civil's ability to successfully deliver complex civil infrastructure in busy urban environments where technical excellence, stakeholder management and programme certainty must work hand in hand.
-
Three Waters Infrastructure
Stormwater Networks
Wastewater Networks
Deep Excavations
Live Sewer Over-Pumping
Large Diameter Pipeline Installation
Manhole Construction
Pavement Reconstruction
Traffic Management
Urban Infrastructure Delivery
Stakeholder Engagement
Quality Assurance & Commissioning
