Brief

Arcwell Engineering was proud to deliver structural steel services for the seismic strengthening and heritage restoration of the Whangārei Old Municipal Building — a Category B heritage-listed civic landmark in Northland, New Zealand.

Following extensive fire damage and ageing infrastructure, the 1912-built Town Hall required a complex structural upgrade to meet modern seismic performance standards while preserving its architectural significance. The project formed part of a $7 million Whangārei District Council-led initiative to futureproof one of the city’s most iconic heritage buildings.

Arcwell’s scope included precision fabrication and installation of large structural steel portals and seismic bracing elements — delivered under challenging conditions within the existing structure.

To reduce risk and ensure buildability, our team completed a detailed 3D laser scan of the interior before commencing fabrication. This enabled virtual test-fitting of all components, improved coordination with the main contractor, and supported accurate planning for installation in tight, heritage-sensitive environments.

Our work on this project highlights Arcwell Engineering's proven experience in:

As a CC3-certified fabricator with in-house shop drawing capability and ISO 9001 quality management, Arcwell delivers end-to-end certainty for restoration, retrofit, and seismic strengthening projects across New Zealand.

Whether working on landmark heritage assets or complex urban upgrades, we combine a buildability-first mindset with modern digital tools to ensure safe, efficient, and respectful delivery.

Key facts

In the Media

View Gallery

Arcwell
scnz logo sitewise logo hera logo sitesafe logo