| 13 Transforming Devonport heritage site T T Kelly Deeks Our team is compromised of highly trained electricians in all types and sizes of Residential, Retail, Commercial and infrastructure projects. We have extensive experience in all electrical works including, ICT, Alarms, Automation and Design. Foundations • Landscaping • Concrete 0508 BASEUP / 021 667 149 Office: 89A Station Rd, Penrose, Auckland www.baseup.co.nz Brendon@baseupauckland.co.nz BaseUp is a trusted contracting provider delivering foundations, concrete, landscaping, and earthworks for residential and commercial projects. With locations in Auckland, Northland, and Tauranga, plus a strong contractor network, we successfully deliver projects across Auckland, Northland, and the Bay of Plenty. Stronghold Group Visitors to Takarunga/Mt Victoria in Devonport are enjoying improved access, upgraded recreation spaces, and new infrastructure following completion of the first stage of a major upgrade for the Tūpuna Maunga Authority. The project has transformed key visitor areas on one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most significant tūpuna maunga, balancing improved public amenities with the protection of the site’s cultural, historical, and environmental values. Construction company Stronghold Group was responsible for delivering the works, overseeing programme management, construction, safety, quality assurance, and subcontractor coordination, while working alongside designers, engineers, cultural advisers, mana whenua, and the Tūpuna Maunga Authority. The completed first stage includes a new tourist bus parking area, widening and resurfacing of the loop road, accessible, step-free pathways, stormwater infrastructure, raingardens, lighting, landscaping, street furniture and the transformation of the former tennis courts into a dual-use basketball and tennis facility. Stronghold Group directors Quincy and Karalee Tangiau say the project demanded a careful balance between delivering modern infrastructure and respecting the significance of the maunga. “It is about delivering safely and respectfully on a site of deep significance,” Quincy says. Working on a heritage site presented a number of challenges. Excavation had to be carefully managed around sensitive archaeological areas, while construction was carried out within a busy public environment where access, deliveries and storage space were all limited. Public access remained a priority throughout the project. Construction was staged to keep parts of the maunga open wherever possible, with pedestrian diversions and traffic management helping minimise disruption. Some activities were also timed around Devonport Primary School holidays to reduce impacts on the surrounding community. Environmental improvements also formed an important part of the upgrade. New raingardens have been integrated throughout the site to capture and filter stormwater runoff before it enters the wider network, requiring close coordination between civil, drainage, landscaping and planting teams. The project also incorporates cultural storytelling developed with mana whenua. Patterned paving, furniture inlays, a games wall, and artwork by mana whenua artist, Arapeta Hākura, express Hononga a Takarunga, a design theme representing unity, connection and place. Accessibility was another key objective, with new, step-free entry points, accessible seating, drinking fountains, toilet facilities and safer pedestrian connections designed to make the maunga more welcoming for a wider range of visitors. Karalee says close collaboration between the project team, mana whenua and the Tūpuna Maunga Authority was essential throughout construction. “We are working carefully to ensure every element respects the maunga and the people connected to it,” she says. While visitors are already using the upgraded facilities, the project is not yet complete. A second stage remains scheduled for November, when warmer conditions will allow installation of the specialist court coating and games artwork. Both require specific temperatures and weather conditions to achieve the required finish and long- term durability. The completed first stage marks a significant milestone in the ongoing enhancement of Takarunga, improving accessibility and visitor facilities, while ensuring the cultural identity and heritage of the maunga remain at the forefront of its future use. Patterned paving, furniture inlays, a games wall, and artwork by mana whenua artist, Arapeta Hākura, express Hononga a Takarunga, a design theme representing unity, connection and place. The completed first stage includes a new tourist bus parking area, widening and resurfacing of the loop road, accessible, step-free pathways, stormwater infrastructure, raingardens, lighting, landscaping, street furniture and the transformation of the former tennis courts into a dual-use basketball and tennis facility. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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