RCP supported Willis Bond from concept design through documentation, programme coordination, procurement and contract administration, and ran an early contractor involvement process. RCP pushed for an integrated base-build and fitout design across the landlord's and tenant's consultants, which shortened the design phase and let construction run as a single programme.
The building reopened in November 2020 with about 6,000 square metres of office on the upper levels and 1,000 square metres of retail in six units along Cuba Street. Greater Wellington's people came back together in an open, activity-based workplace with their council chambers, and the shopfronts brought new life to the street.
Much of the original building was kept and reused, matai, tōtara and rimu, pressed-metal ceilings and existing furniture, alongside rooftop solar, heat-pump hot water and recycled-wool insulation, and it holds a 5-star NABERSNZ rating. Strengthened to at least 100 percent of the New Building Standard, it went on to take the national category award at the 2022 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards.
Awards
- 2022 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards, Heritage & Restoration Gold and National Category Winner
- 2021 Property Council Excellence in Heritage and Adaptive Reuse, Merit in Commercial Office
- 2021 Wellington Architecture Awards, Commercial, Heritage, Interior and Resene Colour
