27 Jul Millbrook Resort Pro Golf Shop gets a stunning upgrade
When Datum Project Manager Daniel Stil was charged with managing the fit-out of the golf shop at Queenstown’s prestigious Millbrook Resort, the keen golfer hoped he might be able to fit in the odd round at the end of his working day. Cue Auckland’s 107-day lockdown and plans to visit the site were instantly scuppered. But with the project on the slate and local trades moving ahead with core reconstruction of the original space, Dan’s job became one of logistics, precision planning and regular comms – rather than hands-on, on-site management of the fit-out.
The golf shop is not the only fit-out to have been completed during Auckland’s long lockdown – see the story of ‘2Degree’s Newmarket store‘ – but it was also the furthest one from Datum’s ‘home base’. Daniel says one of the biggest challenges was getting Datum’s factory-made joinery to site in the South Island safely, and ensuring it was a perfect fit from a distance – all while relying on Datum’s remote team of installers to deliver a seamless result.
As Datum General Manager Adrian Donlan explains, “Right through Auckland’s lockdown, we had a team working ‘outside’ (the lockdown region) who we could send to our other sites. In this way we were able to keep our projects rolling along.” At Millbrook, the ‘base build’ of the shop was to be installed by local contractors, which made Datum’s job that much harder.
Adrian emphasises the project directive was to deliver a five-star finish befitting of the luxury resort – high stakes with the complication of distance. “We relied on our team sending back those critical measurements so we could manufacture (In Auckland) to millimetre precision. There really wasn’t any room for stuff-ups,” he says. A perfect fit-out relies on pinpoint accuracy – something that’s easier to achieve closer to the manufacturing base.
In Daniel’s eyes, the success of Millbrook demonstrates Datum’s ability and skill, no matter where the project is. “Logistically it was quite an operation,” adds Daniel, “and we were in constant contact, checking everything, while also keeping in touch with our client to make sure they were happy.”
Special fabrications or bespoke elements are part and parcel of what Datum excels at, and Daniel cites the rustic panels on the back counters, reflective of the region, as unique to the project. The stunning, high-end fit-out reinforces Millbrook’s position as one of New Zealand’s best golf and lifestyle resorts. Feedback from both the local contractors and the clients has been overwhelmingly positive, with all parties agreeing it is a testament to Datum’s planning and project management ability that the fit-out was delivered on time, against the odds. As for Daniel, he’s still waiting to get that round of golf in at Millbrook Resort, with a full slate of work keeping him occupied.
It’s no exaggeration to say that Datum Project’s systems, professionalism and team expertise can get a fit-out over the line, on time, anywhere in the country. And there’s no resting on their laurels, with more exciting projects coming on stream. If you’re contemplating something tailor-made for your space or business, talk to the Datum team today.