Trents Wholesale Refurbishment
Apollo’s recent refurbishment of the Trents Wholesale food store facility in Hornby is testament to the positive, ongoing relationship we have built with parent company Foodstuffs South Island.
The work was commissioned by fund manager Mainland Capital under a negotiated design and build contract, which allowed flexibility to incorporate additional requirements as the project progressed. This collaborative approach was key to delivering a solution that met both technical and budgetary objectives and enabled the team to draw on collective expertise—delivering complex solutions under evolving conditions.
The brief included constructing a 1,000m² freezer within an existing dry store, alongside chiller upgrades, seismic strengthening, and office renovations. These enhancements support Trents’ chilled storage and distribution requirements, ensuring operational efficiency for years to come.
What began as a straightforward refurbishment evolved into a highly technical project. The team managed seismic upgrades, electrical system redesigns, and mechanical plant relocations—all while working within a live warehouse environment. Careful planning and coordination ensured minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
Budget constraints required innovative thinking during the design phase. For example, transformer requirements initially posed a significant cost risk, but through collaboration with Mainland Capital and an independent review, the team implemented a simplified breaker upgrade—delivering both technical compliance and cost efficiency.
The project incorporated fibre-reinforced concrete slabs, achieving outstanding durability with zero cracking observed post-completion. Seismic strengthening was executed seamlessly, and the freezer and chiller were handed over ahead of schedule on 25 October 2025—a reflection of Apollo’s genuine commitment to timely delivery.
Success was driven by strong relationships across the project team. Established subcontractors maintained high standards, while new partners delivered excellent results on specialist installations. Despite challenges, strong collaboration between Apollo, Mainland Capital, Foodstuffs, and our subcontractor network ensured the project’s success.
