March 19th, 2012

Top designs for Hastings Civic Square released

An idea generation competition has inspired designs that would bring a new and exciting look to a potential upgrade of Civic Square in Hastings.

The competition resulted in 159 registrations of interest from design professionals around the world as Hastings District Council searched for innovative ideas for the redevelopment of Civic Square. This resulted in 32 formal submissions being received.

All the entries were judged by an Independent Evaluation Panel with a design from Austin Pedlow Architects from Auckland being awarded the top spot. A design put forward by Wraight and Associates Ltd and Athfield Architects Ltd from Wellington was judged as the next best followed by a submission from Hamilton’s MOAA Architects rounding out the top three.

The evaluation panel’s comments on the winning submissions say “The top entry presents the best response for integrating mana whenua connections into the space and this design was deemed by the panel to offer the best scope within which to depict our cultural stories. The design provides strong urban connections with the existing city fabric while at the same time proposing interesting and vibrant solutions within Civic Square itself.’

Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers says “The judging panel deliberated long and hard during the selection of their top designs, all of which would bring enormous value and a new look to Civic Square. The design competition has succeeded in bringing forward concepts that would enhance the square’s open space and strengthen the public arts, culture and heritage experience”.

“This process was an exciting way to raise the profile of the project and has resulted in some unique and pioneering ideas being put forward. We now look to the community for their views on the top designs,” Cynthia Bowers says.

The top three designs along with the judge’s next six picks will be on display in the foyer of Hastings City Art Gallery from March 22nd until May 4th 2012. The public can vote for their favourite and these results, along with consultation through the Long Term Plan will play a part in determining which designs will progress to stage two.

Stage two design work is dependent on funding for the Civic Square upgrade being included in the council’s final 2012/22 Long Term Plan.

To view the top designs go to http://www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/civic-square-redevelopment

ENDS

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