Architects Awards Underline City Commitment - Mayor

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown has welcomed a slew of architectural awards for Wellington City Council buildings and projects as a sign of the Council's commitment to the city's built environment.

Te Ara Hou flats in Newtown, the City Gallery, The Nest hospital at Wellington Zoo, the new Zealandia visitor centre, the Michael Fowler Centre and Freyberg Pool all won in the New Zealand Institute of Architects Wellington awards last night.

Mayor Wade-Brown, who helped present Enduring Architecture awards to the Michael Fowler Centre and Freyberg pool, said: "Wellington City Council is committed to maintaining and improving our environment for all Wellingtonians. We take this commitment seriously - and the results can be stunning.

"Wellington is often praised for the quality of its urban design - but these awards show our commitment isn't just about grand city centre buildings. These are memorable buildings that are fit for purpose and tread lightly on the earth.

"It's terrific to see recognition for the work that has gone into improving Te Ara Hou flats, for example, along with visionary projects like Zealandia and The Nest. I'd like to congratulate everybody who has worked on these projects."

Cr Iona Pannett, who also attended the presentation ceremony, said the awards showed the value of significant Council investment in projects such as the redevelopment of Te Ara Hou as part of the 20-year housing upgrade project, as well as the City Gallery, Zealandia and The Nest.

Other award winners in the city ranged from individual houses to the Supreme Court. The Wellington winners will go on for consideration for the national awards, to be decided early next year.

The Wellington City Council winners:

• Sustainable Architecture: Te Aro Hou flats complex, Newtown (Novak and Middleton Architects)
• Public Architecture: City Gallery (Architecture+); The Nest - Te Kohanga, Wellington Zoo (Warren and Mahoney)
• Commercial Architecture: Zealandia Visitor Centre (Jasmax)
• Enduring Architecture: The Michael Fowler Centre; Freyberg Pool