We are proud to be playing a key role in one of the most significant additions to the main street in Auckland’s central city in recent years with Precinct’s new purpose-built student accommodation development at 256 Queen Street.
This project represents both a shift in the construction market and a milestone for our own business: it’s our first major project on Queen Street since WT opened its New Zealand office back in 2001.
Led by Scott McCondach, Stuart Clipstone, and Mitch Iles from our Auckland team, we are providing full quantity surveying services from inception through to completion. Being involved at every stage is allowing us to help shape a project that will materially contribute to the future of student living in Tāmaki Makaurau.
A milestone development for Auckland
Precinct’s 638-bed, studio-style accommodation building is a major step toward addressing the growing demand for high-quality student housing in the city centre. The project forms part of Precinct’s broader $3.7 billion development pipeline and builds on the momentum of their recent PBSA partnership at 22 Stanley Street. Together, these commitments take Precinct’s student accommodation pipeline to 1,602 beds, signalling confidence in the sector and renewed vitality in the Auckland construction market.
Targeting a 5 Star Green Star ‘NZ Excellence’ rating, the development is ideally located close to the university precinct and midtown amenities, with completion planned for the 2029 academic year. It will provide a world-class living environment right at the heart of the city.
A complex and heritage sensitive site
256 Queen Street sits on a tight urban footprint with heritage elements on both street elevations, creating a highly complex construction environment. As the project progresses, these constraints require meticulous planning, innovative methodology, and coordinated delivery efforts.
We are working closely with Icon Construction as the D&C contractor, alongside Ashton Mitchell Ltd, Holmes, and Innerscape, supporting the team to carefully navigate site complexities while maintaining programme, cost, and design integrity.
Our role
Across the life of the project, we are responsible for:
- Full quantity surveying services
- Cost planning and financial management
- Procurement advice and contract support
- Ongoing cost control through delivery
- Final account and completion phase support
Our aim is to give Precinct and the wider design and construction team the confidence needed to deliver this development efficiently, sustainably, and to the highest standard.
Looking ahead
For us, 256 Queen Street is more than a major commission, it represents a re-energised construction landscape in Auckland and reinforces the long-standing trust our clients place in us for complex, city-shaping projects.
We’re proud to be part of a development that will help redefine student living in the CBD, and we look forward to seeing this landmark project come to life over the coming years.
