KiwiRail sought support from a consulting group, which PDP led and delivered notice of requirements, consents and NZHPT (heritage) permits for the four stations in Palmerston North, Shannon, Levin and Otaki.
The services included RMA planning, consultation, and stormwater and drainage design to assist with platform raising. Three of the platforms obtained Outline Plan of Works (OPW) waivers, whereas the Ōtaki station required a notice of requirement and a heritage permit. The Ōtaki railway station proved to be the most challenging, given that the building is heritage-listed. While the platform itself is not part of the heritage fabric, its canopy and poles are heritage-listed. This required specialist heritage and planning input into the design of the verandah poles and structure, alongside specific geotechnical design.
Additionally, stormwater design was required to convey stormwater away from the heritage station building and direct it along the platform to soakage pits. The platform itself also presented opportunities for accidental discovery protocols due to the potential discovery of artefacts, given the age of the platforms.
PDP secured all statutory approvals and assisted KiwiRail in consulting with iwi to enable the extension of Metro Services from Wellington through to Palmerston North.
Key Contact
