Sense of arrival

Redeveloping a key inner-city landmark requires careful thought. The fresh design has to take into account public access, appropriate usage, fiscal viability for the owner, and the way the development will fit into, or stand out from, the landscape around it.

In 2004 the Wellington City Council's wholly owned subsidiary Wellington Waterfront issued a competition brief for developing the outmoded Overseas Passenger Terminal on the edge of Wellington Harbour. Originally built to greet the great passenger liners of the world, its development had been overtaken by the growth in international air travel. With dilapidated facilities and weathered concrete piles showing exposed reinforcing, it was clearly time for a complete revamp.

Developer Willis Bond & Co's entry, designed by Athfield Architects, proposed a commercially viable transformation that would serve both the developer and the citizens of Wellington. From 12 proposals and then three finalists, Willis Bond & Co won the day, its entry accepted by the Wellington City Council in 2007. Final resource consent was granted by the Environment Court in July 2009.

The winning design focuses on the development of a contemporary and adaptable architectural framework that respects the building's former use as a terminal, while providing for up to 70 apartments on upper levels. A range of single- and double-height tenancies at ground level, including restaurants, will encourage public use and enjoyment of the whole precinct.

The design comprises three main forms: the north and south ends, including most of the construction to strengthen the gateways to the wharf from the land and from the sea, and the long central portion. This part is refurbished in a manner that retains proportions, rhythms and elements of the existing building, such as the roof, spire and main structural elements.

Intrinsic to the overall design are the nautical and marine themes that have always defined the building, with references to a ship's hull, structural ribs, bridges, decks, lifeboats and davits.

For details on the developer, contact Willis Bond & Co, Level 1, 5 Cable St, Wellington 6142, phone (04) 805 0000. Website: www.willisbond.co.nz.

For further information on the architectural firm, contact Athfield Architects, 105 Amritsar St, Khandallah, Wellington 6035, phone (04) 499 1727. Website: www.athfieldarchitects.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas