Architects prepare design concepts for Whakatane

Representatives from three architectural companies were in Whakatane yesterday (Thursday 12 November) to begin the process of preparing design concepts for Whakatane District Council’s Arts and Culture redevelopment.

The visit provided an opportunity for the design teams to familiarise themselves with the current library and museum and the Esplanade Mall property purchased by Council for the new combined library and Exhibition complex. In addition to this facility, the design requirements include the conversion of the existing Museum site into an archives, research and storage centre.

Whakatane District Council Community Projects Manager Barbara Dempsey says the architects were all extremely enthusiastic and their comments about the “blank canvas” that the premises provided reaffirmed Council’s choice of building.

The Council called for Registrations of Interest in the project from suitably qualified and experienced architectural companies in mid-October and four were received. Since then, one firm has withdrawn.

The architectural firms have until middle of December 2009 to complete their proposals which will then be presented to Councillors and key stakeholders at a launch in middle of January next year. The presentations will include display stand material that will then be taken to various locations around the district to provide an opportunity for public consultation.

“Council will appoint the successful architects in late-February and that firm will then work on the final-brief and progress to the detailed design, which is scheduled to be presented to Council near the end of April next year,” Mrs Dempsey says.