24 | Future Accommodation Project T T Richard Loader New parliamentary precinct underway The project encompasses the construction of two new buildings: one for MPs and staff in the current car-park behind Parliament House, and a new, secure deliveries building. “It means more cost-effective accommodation for the members, and it will be cheaper over the life-cycle of the building to own it rather than lease, as it means money that Parliament spends on the build and operation of these buildings will return into the New Zealand economy.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Wellington’s skyline is set to change as the New Zealand Parliament’s Future Accommodation Strategy project gains momentum The ambitious plan, aimed at centralising parliamentary operations and improving efficiency, has entered a crucial phase with construction underway. The expansion comes in response to the growth of Aotearoa New Zealand’s population and Parliament over the past three decades. The current arrangement, with Ministers, MPs, and staff spread across several buildings, has been deemed expensive, inefficient and unsustainable. “The purpose of the project is to enable all Members of Parliament to be accommodated in the parliamentary precinct,” says David Wills, project director for the future accommodation strategy project. “It means more cost-effective accommodation for the members, and it will be cheaper over the life-cycle of the building to own it rather than lease, as it means money that Parliament spends on the build and operation of these buildings will return into the New Zealand economy. “It also gives us more control over the buildings and ensures they are future-proofed for the changing needs and size of Parliament.” The project encompasses the construction of two new buildings: one for MPs and staff in the current car-park behind Parliament House, and a new, secure deliveries building. Additionally, the earthquake-prone annexe behind the Beehive will be rebuilt as a dedicated building for Ministers. David says the buildings and landscape have been designed in consultation with mana whenua, and the new structures will also complement the architectural aspects of nearby heritage buildings, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. Safety and resilience are at the forefront of the project’s design. The members’ building will be an ‘Importance Level 4’ structure, designed to withstand significant seismic events, and will offer safety and security measures, including base isolation. “The new footprint of the precinct will ensure a secure perimeter for Parliament, to keep MPs, staff, and visitors safe. It will enable Parliament to continue operating after an earthquake event,” says David. The main members’ building will boast a Greenstar 6 rating, the highest sustainability grade possible, incorporating environmentally conscious design and New Zealand- made and recycled materials. David says carbon reduction will be achieved through the high-performance building fabric, including the use of a mass-timber superstructure and energy-efficient systems (solar panels instead of fossil fuels), with water recycling and stormwater management integrated into the buildings. David says key design parameters on the inside of the building include open floor-plates designed for flexibility with a de-mountable partition system so the spaces can easily be configured for the requirements of the party or ministerial office, resulting in less wastage and addressing the current issue of costly renovations after every election. Designing the new buildings so they will cater to the changing needs of occupants means Parliament will have more time to focus on its mahi for Aoteaora New Zealand, he says. The project is earmarked for completion in December 2026 and over 500 people will eventually use the building.
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