CivilPlan was engaged by The Salvation Army to support the development of over 50 affordable housing units on their existing headquarters site in Royal Oak. This transformational project was about creating safe, dignified housing for those needing rent support, while ensuring the ongoing functionality of the Salvation Army’s other on-site operations, including their Family Store, social services, and head office.

‍

Our Role

From concept to completion, CivilPlan delivered integrated services in surveying, planning, and engineering. We kicked off with topographical surveying and initial civil feasibility investigations, working alongside the architect and project manager from the earliest stages. Our team designed the site’s civil infrastructure, managed the full resource consent process, (including navigating complex zoning constraints), and provided tender documentation and procurement advice. We remained actively involved throughout construction.

‍

The Challenge

The project was packed with technical and planning complexity:

• Zoning: The Mixed Use zoning required careful integration of residential units within a neighbourhood containing General Business, Light Industry, and existing commercial activities.

• Sunlight and Privacy: Adjacent single-storey commercial buildings could be redeveloped in future. We ensured building orientation maintained long-term sunlight access and privacy for residents.

• Pedestrian Access and Parking: A major challenge was creating safe pedestrian access to the rear-site apartments, while preserving as many carparks as possible and suitable pedestrian access for the Salvation Army’s existing facilities.

• Traffic Considerations: The site’s location on an arterial road meant vehicle access required a sensitive and strategic approach.

• Site Levels: Working with existing site contours helped manage costs but posed engineering constraints, particularly around shallow public water and wastewater services.

‍

Our Approach

We brought a value-engineering mindset from the outset, balancing cost, compliance, and liveability. By brainstorming with project partners, suggesting alternatives, and adjusting designs to suit real-world constraints (like shallow water mains discovered during construction), we kept the project on track and within budget.

‍

Collaboration

This project demonstrated what’s possible when everyone’s on the same page. With theSalvation Army’s appointed project manager leading coordination, we used shared project folders and scheduled milestone check-ins to ensure aligned delivery.Regular project meetings kept momentum high and surprises low.

‍

Stronger Together

The RoyalOak development exemplified our “Stronger Together” value in action. Surveyors, planners, and engineers from CivilPlan collaborated closely, leaning on each other’s expertise to problem-solve and adapt the design in real-time. The internal teamwork was just as important as our coordination with external stakeholders.

‍

Impact

This development offered dignified housing on a major transport route, close to essential services and community networks. The inclusion of communal spaces and a shared community room reinforced a sense of place and belonging. For the CivilPlan team, standing on site during the open day, seeing residents preparing to move in, was a humbling and proud moment.

‍

Legacy

Opened by the Prime Minister in October 2019, this project leaves a lasting legacy: 50+quality, affordable homes in an area where they’re desperately needed, and a blueprint for what thoughtful, values-aligned development can achieve.