Projects - Distinction Hotel

As the main contractor, ABL played a central role in the project from an early-stage base build works through to ongoing support during the hotel fitout, carpark development, and civil infrastructure upgrades across the precinct. The scale and complexity of the transformation required careful planning, precise surveying, façade and engineering coordination was essential in delivering this modern 150 room hotel facility.

ABL’s involvement began with major base build extensions, including the removal of the existing roof structures on both the podium and tower sections of the building. This allowed the construction of new concrete floor levels and new roof structures, dramatically reshaping the internal volume and future layout of the hotel. These works formed the foundation of the redevelopment and enabled the building to achieve its new configuration and room yield.

A major engineering component involved constructing a structural steel skeleton around the entire exterior envelop. Completed in partnership with our supplier, this steel exoskeleton provided the necessary support for the new façade system and required meticulous coordination to ensure that fabrication, installation, and façade contractor requirements aligned perfectly. This phase was critical to delivering the architectural vision while ensuring durability, load performance, and precise integration with the building envelope.

ABL was responsible for delivering the full exterior envelope and ensuring the building achieved complete weather tightness. This milestone was an essential part enabling interior fitout works, services installation, and the progression of multiple trades in parallel. Achieving water tightness on a complex existing structure required technical problem-solving with the façade engineer, sequencing disciplines and close collaboration between all trade partners and our client.

Following the base build completion, ABL’s involvement continued across a wide range of project areas. ABL provided ongoing site management support and delivered extensive carpentry works packages throughout the hotel fitout. In addition, ABL constructed the new carpark building and undertook key civil construction works along Esk Street West and Wachner Place.

Throughout the project, ABL leveraged its core capabilities in project management, site coordination, concrete construction, and carpentry to deliver a high-quality outcome for the client. ABL’s team and supply partners worked collaboratively with the wider Distinction project team to overcome structural constraints, programme challenges, and the complexities inherent in transforming an existing commercial building.

The result is a complete transformation of the former Menzies Building into the new Distinction Hotel Invercargill a significant asset for the region’s hospitality sector and a landmark achievement for the CBD redevelopment programme. ABL is proud to have delivered this major redevelopment project and is grateful for the opportunity to continue contributing to the development of Esk Street and the wider city.