Faces Of The CRL: Andrew Swan
Delivering the country’s largest infrastructure project takes some seriously talented people, so in this section “Faces of the CRL” we talk to some of City Rail Link’s best and brightest. This month we turn the spotlight Andrew Swan, the Area Manager for one of our first contracts, C1 in Britomart. He even featured in a short video about C1 and Auckland’s Chief Post Office Building (below). Sadly, after more than five years on the job, Andrew is moving on for a change of scene and new challenges. We wish him well and will miss him greatly!
Name: Andrew Swan
Age: 47
Suburb: Mount Eden
How long have you been working with Link Alliance on the City Rail Link? 5 ½ years. I started in 2015 before the project had secured funding from Government. So much has been achieved in that period.
What is your role? I am CRLs area manager for Contract 1 which is the work at Britomart Station. This involves constructing tunnels under the old Chief Post Office building which is a Category 1 Heritage Building and an operational railway station.
How do you do it? With the support of many! I have a great team on site providing support in the technical and commercial aspects of the build. Our Contractor Downer Soletanche Bachy JV are heavily invested in the success of this project. Their attitude has been instrumental in the success of this project.
What do you enjoy most about your job? The scope of my role is quite broad so no two days are ever the same, and the issues encountered are always evolving as we move through the various stages of construction. Without a doubt though seeing the final product is the best part of my job. There’s a real sense of satisfaction in handing the keys over to the new owner (Auckland Transport). This is juxtaposed by a sense of sadness as we finally let go.
What is the most challenging part? There are many challenging aspects of the Britomart works. Top of the list would be carrying out the works in and around an operational railway station. A key project objective is to maintain station operations at all times which we have achieved. That said we’re at a critical stage in commissioning systems and integrating these into the existing station systems so we’re holding our breath just a little longer. This is closely followed by the complexities of working in a 100 year old heritage building. Anyone who has renovated an old villa knows the surprises these old buildings throw at you. I feel I know most of the secrets this wonderful old building holds.
What have been some of your previous jobs? I was a designer for the conversion of St Pancras railway station in London for the new Eurostar terminal. This was my introduction to the world of complex infrastructure. Following that I've been involved in many rail projects. Perhaps the most interesting project I’ve worked on was the new battle training facility for the SAS. I’ve nothing but respect for those guys.
Do you have any hobbies outside work? Life revolves around kids sport which I love being a part of. Holidays usually involve the beach, camping or skiing. My daughters would like to combine all three at once.
What are you looking forward to most about when the CRL is complete? Knowing I was part of something special. CRL will be a game changer for Auckland, but we need government to realize this is the start, not the finish.