Case Study
Formsteel and NZRPG Deliver Multi-Storage Development at Half the Cost
Customer
NZ Retail Property Group (NZRPG)
Floor Space
4,300m2 – 11Tenancies
Structural system
Formsteel SuperSpan System
Completion
July 2025
Location
Westgate, Auckland
Build Time
24 weeks
The Challenge
Retail developer NZRPG had completed Stage 1 of their Westgate shopping development using traditional steel, but costs had blown out to over $4,000 per sqm — a cost base that was unsustainable for future stages.
For Stage 2, they needed a smarter system that could cut costs in half without sacrificing quality, performance, or design flexibility. The build also presented additional complexity: tilt-panel slab walls, fire-rated end walls, glazing, roller doors, and canopies — all within a tight site footprint.
The Solution
Formsteel’s Superspan® system transformed the project. By using optimised high-tensile beams, the build required around 25% less steel while delivering 3× the strength (weight for weight) of traditional structural steel.
Key advantages:
- Over 50% cost saving – under $2,000 per sqm.
- 25% less steel tonnage.
- Fast installation – panels and steel erected in tandem.
- Complete building envelope solution – structure, cladding, roofing, insulation, doors.
- End to end engineering and design support.
“Formsteel has the potential to change the commercial construction game. It’s a building system that’s lower cost, simpler to construct, faster to build, and lighter.”
Campbell Barbour from NZRPG
Outcome + Impact
Faster Completion
Delivered in just 24 weeks, saving an estimated 42 days compared to conventional methods.
Smarter Materials
Lightweight yet ultra-strong beams reduced steel tonnage by 25% without compromising performance.
A Cost-Efficient Build
Stage 2 was delivered at less than half the cost of Stage 1, proving large-scale storage can be affordable and profitable
Modern, Practical Spaces
Clearspan tenancies with integrated glazing, roller doors, and canopies create an attractive, functional storage solution.
By the Numbers
Build Time: 24 weeks
Days Saved: 42
Steel Reduced: 25%
Cost Saving: 50% compared to Stage 1
