Cold Storage

Project Details

Apollo Projects has completed a new purpose-built cold storage and distribution facility for Fife Capital at Kirkbride Road in Māngere South Auckland, delivering a highly specialised facility tailored to the operational requirements of tenant Refrigafreighters. 

The approximately 7,750m² development features nine adjustable loading docks along the ELA corridor, enabling efficient product transfer from refrigerated trucks into 5,550m² of freezer and cool store space. with capacity for around 8,000 pallets, the facility also incorporates dedicated logistics, office and plant areas to support day-to-day logistics. 

Delivered under a design and build model, Apollo coordinated the refrigeration, structural, civil, fire, electrical and building services design as an integrated solution. The project also included car parking and site access, significant stormwater and sewer infrastructure, a substantial retaining wall and landscaping. 

Designing around a complex site 

The site presented a number of technical challenges that required careful planning and coordination, particularly around existing and new infrastructure. Three upstream overland flow catchments converge at the site, requiring a carefully considered stormwater attenuation and discharge solution. An existing 1.8m stormwater pipe running through the site also influenced building placement, while significant level changes to the rear of the site required substantial retaining works. 

Maintaining continuity between Apollo’s pre-construction and construction teams was an important part of navigating these complexities. With design development continuing into the early stages of construction, the team remained closely connected throughout delivery, allowing buildability, drainage and consenting queries to be resolved quickly, which kept work moving on site. 

Sustainability and cultural integration 

The 5 Green Star rated development incorporates initiatives across water efficiency and reuse, EV and cycle parking, and construction waste management. The project achieved an impressive 89% diversion of construction waste from landfill, significantly exceeding its 70% target. 

The Green Star process also incorporated Te Aranga design principles, which aim to enhance mana whenua presence, visibility and participation in design. This formed part of the team’s deeper engagement with local iwi throughout the development, including the naming of the building and the commissioning of a pou at the site entrance. The building’s name, Pātaka Pāmahana, reflects the cultural narrative of the area and its historical significance to local iwi as a place of food gathering and distribution, creating a meaningful connection between the site’s history and its modern-day purpose. A blessing ceremony was also held to mark the building’s opening. 

The team submitted the project’s Code Compliance Certificate approximately five weeks ahead of programme, and the strong relationships built throughout the project have already led to further opportunities for Apollo. 

This is another strong addition to Apollo’s portfolio of specialist cold storage and logistics facilities, demonstrating the value of bringing design, construction and specialist building systems together from the outset.