Redefining Auckland's skyline: 65 Federal Street

We are thrilled to announce that we will be working alongside our Australian WSP colleagues & ICD Property to deliver the structural and geotechnical design for the building that will redefine Auckland’s skyline,65 Federal Street.

In a global competition that was the talk of the industry; five of the world’s leading architectural practices competed to be named winning designer of ICD’s next residential/commercial hybrid tower.

The competition required each practice to submit two designs; one would follow the city’s current planning rules, whilst the second – a wildcard – would showcase what could be built within a more liberal planning perimeter.

Winners Woods Bagot will bring their $200 million design to life on the Federal St site, sitting adjacent to Auckland’s iconic landmark, the Sky Tower.

The residential/commercial complex will be one of five current high-rise towers being developed in Auckland’s Central District in the next 2-3 years and is due for completion in 2022.

The 200m (180m above ground-level) high rise will be split into thirds, comprising of 226 apartments, a 233-room 5-star hotel, and a ground floor marketplace with everything from vendors selling local produce through to eateries and bars. The top of the tower will boast a private sky-garden for building residents and there will be health and spa facilities on the middle-level overlooking north-east Auckland.

“It will be a landmark for the city and provides much needed residential and hotel accommodation. It is a huge investment, which is a statement of investor confidence in Auckland. It will provide hundreds of jobs during and beyond construction.” — Phil Goff, Mayor of Auckland.

In November ICD appointed WSP as structural engineers for the project. We have subsequently been appointed to provide geotechnical engineering services.

“We are excited to be working alongside ICD Property and our Australian colleagues to deliver this monumental project. 65 Federal St will impact Auckland’s commercial, residential and tourism prosperity; not to mention its skyline. Auckland offers such a unique quality of life and we’re thrilled to witness the long-term investments that will ultimately solidify our country’s growth.” – WSP Managing Director, Ian Blair.

Sitting just outside the complex will be one of the two public entrances for Auckland’s City Rail.

Link (CRL). Part of a wider $28 billion Auckland Transport Alignment Project set by Auckland Council and Government this year.