Wellington-based construction firm LT McGuinness has been selected to help lead the redevelopment of Scott Base, in what Antarctica New Zealand describes as a major step forward for the legacy project.
The company has been appointed as the Early Contractor Engagement (ECE) partner, tasked with supporting the design and delivery of the ambitious Antarctic redevelopment. LT McGuinness brings over 70 years of experience delivering complex public and private sector projects throughout New Zealand.
Antarctica New Zealand Chief Executive Professor Jordy Hendrikx said the appointment was the result of strong early collaboration and aligned values.
“A technically challenging project like this provides an opportunity for all parties to bring their very best, and we’ve already had a high level of engagement with LT McGuinness on preliminary discussions,” Hendrikx said.
“On top of that, being a third-generation family construction company aligns with the culture of Scott Base and the history of our Antarctic programme.”
The ECE phase is considered critical in preparing the project for the next stages. It involves working closely with technical partners to identify requirements, risks, costs, and timelines before final design decisions are made.
LT McGuinness has also brought on global infrastructure firm Parsons Corporation to provide technical advice, drawing on the company’s experience with the redevelopment of the nearby McMurdo Station.
“Parsons’ polar operations experience spans programme and construction management, engineering and planning, and logistics,” said Hendrikx.
Digital delivery will also be central to the planning phase, with Hendrikx noting LT McGuinness’s advanced capabilities in project coordination using digital systems.
“Projects of this complexity and scale require advanced digital tools and methodologies. LT McGuinness brings proven expertise in using digital delivery systems to enhance coordination across partners and ensure quality outcomes, critical in remote environments like Antarctica.”
Antarctica New Zealand said it received strong interest during the tender process, with six major construction companies submitting proposals.
“We’re grateful six top construction companies from around New Zealand devoted significant time and resources to bid for our work, and we saw this as a hugely positive endorsement of the direction the redevelopment is now headed,” Hendrikx said.
The announcement comes after the approval of the new Scott Base Redevelopment Masterplan in May. The plan outlines a three-stage redevelopment of the facility over the next 20 to 50 years, beginning with the replacement of its oldest and most deteriorated infrastructure.
Stage 1 will include the construction of a new Base Services building for living and accommodation, the refurbishment of the Hillary Field Centre for science operations, and upgrades to core infrastructure, including the Ross Island Wind Energy system which supports both Scott Base and McMurdo Station.
Stage 1 is expected to be completed by 2030. A detailed business case is due to be submitted to Cabinet in mid-2026.
