Powering Timaru’s future, uncovering its past

30 September 2026

Since July, our Civil and Underground teams have been hard at work on Barnard Street, delivering an important upgrade to the local electricity network. The project involves replacing ageing underground equipment with two new above-ground transformers, along with new electrical cables and switching equipment to improve the safety, reliability and capacity of the network.

While this work was not part of the neighbouring museum and theatre redevelopment project, it was carefully planned alongside those works. By coordinating the timing of both projects, we were able to minimise disruption in the area while strengthening the electricity supply that serves these important community facilities and the wider CBD.

While the work focused on preparing the network for the future, it also uncovered a fascinating glimpse into Timaru's past.

Before construction began, the team worked closely with Heritage New Zealand, as records showed a house once stood on the site in the 1880s. With an archaeologist on hand during excavation, it wasn't long before some interesting discoveries emerged from beneath the street. Among the finds were pieces of glass pottery, shellfish shells, a historic rubbish pit, old building pile holes, and even a car intake manifold.

Behind the scenes, the project has involved careful planning and coordination to safely install the new infrastructure while maintaining access through this busy part of town. Once complete, the upgrade will help reduce the risk of unplanned outages, improve public and crew safety, and provide a more reliable electricity supply for businesses and community facilities throughout Timaru's CBD.

The project will also provide a more resilient power supply for both the Theatre Royal and the new museum development, helping support these important community assets for years to come. Converting the underground substation to an above-ground facility will also make future maintenance safer and more efficient for our crews.

We'd also like to thank SJ Allen for their excellent work managing traffic throughout the project. Their support has helped keep our crews and the public safe while this important upgrade has been carried out.

A big thank you to everyone involved. We're proud of the teamwork, planning and expertise that have helped deliver this project and the lasting benefits it will bring to Timaru's city centre and wider community.