4 July

Architects selected to take Wellington’s Basin Reserve into the 21st Century

Award-winning architects Tennent Brown have been chosen to lead a high quality team of designers, sporting experts and heritage advisors to help redevelop the iconic Basin Reserve and bring it into the 21st Century.

Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says: “We had a high calibre of applicants and in the end we decided on a design group headed by Wellington architects Tennent Brown. They hold an impressive array of awards and just as importantly they are passionate Wellingtonians who recognise the significance of our beloved Basin Reserve.”

The team assembled by Tennent Brown includes designers, McIndoe Urban, landscape architects, Wraight and Associates, heritage architect lan Bowman and cricket specialist Alan Isaac.

In April 2015, the Council agreed to include the Basin Reserve Masterplan in the Long-term Plan 2015–25. The plan outlines $21 million of spending over the next 10 years for the upgrade. Its key features are to retain the premiere test status of the stadium and make improvements to the ground as a recreation space for the community.

Tennent Brown Directors, Hugh Tennent and Ewan Brown feel privileged to be included in the redevelopment. Having worked on the Groundsman’s Cottage last year the company got to know the Basin very well. When the call for proposals went out to put a team together the Wellington architects went for it.

Ewan Brown lives near the Basin and walks past it twice a day. “The iconic Basin Reserve is ranked as one of the world’s top 10 cricket venues and known as one of New Zealand’s most picturesque and historic cricket grounds. As Wellingtonians we have a responsibility to preserve and create something for us all to be able to utilise and be proud of.

“We’re excited to get going on this project and can’t wait to work with the community to make it happen. This is an opportunity to reignite an iconic space and add even more to our urban environment.”

Portfolio Leader for Parks, Sports and Recreation Councillor Paul Eagle says: “It’s important we all play a part in this development. With competition from an increasing number of grounds around the country the future of the Basin Reserve is far from certain.

“There is a lot to take into account – balancing practical needs with a budget, retaining the Basin’s historical significance, ensuring that the ground remains the country’s best test cricket venue and enhancing spaces for public recreation and activity. We need as much public engagement as we can get.”

There will be opportunities for the public to engage with the project and share their ideas in the following months online and off. A survey will be available through a Redevelop the Basin website, which will go live mid-July. A number of public forums have been planned and people will be able to sign up to our Redevelop the Basin e-newsletter so watch this space.

If you would like to be included in the Basin Reserve redevelopment please email redevelopthebasin@wcc.govt.nz

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