The Brief
Wallace Building Contractors played a leading role in the seismic strengthening and upgrade of the iconic James Smith Car Park, a significant project aimed at returning a key piece of Wellington's infrastructure to service.
The project involved extensive structural upgrades, including new foundations, reinforced concrete shear walls, in-situ concrete collector beams, and major strengthening works throughout the eight-level structure. Complex staged construction allowed sections of the building to be progressively handed back into operation while work continued on upper levels, requiring careful planning, coordination, and logistics.
A notable feature of the project was the restoration and strengthening of the building's iconic spiral ramp, alongside substantial concrete and steel strengthening works designed to improve the building's seismic performance and long-term resilience.