22 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Southland: Buchan Group: Invercargill Central T T Russell Fredric Project transforms central city T T to page 24 The transformational redevelopment of a central city block in Invercargill has brought people back to the city centre and boosted economic growth. Designed by global firm Buchan and now well-established and appreciated by locals and visitors alike, Invercargill Central was an ambitious project over an expansive 15 hectare site bordered by active streets on four sides. The entire block has been redeveloped as a cohesive, master-planned precinct with curated retail, hospitality, civic, entertainment and commercial zones, connected by new and existing pedestrian links. Invercargill Central comprises 47 retail tenancies, a childcare centre, five restaurant tenancies, four office tenancies, and four levels of parking. An integrated, nine-storey commercial office building located on a prominent corner, known as 25 Esk, adds nine stories of prime commercial office space and creates a new landmark on the skyline. In previous years the area had been in decline, the existing buildings varied in age and condition and were tired, unappealing and increasingly vacant, with little to entice visitors. However Buchan project leader Daren Alderson says Invercargill Central has turned the tide. “Invercargill Central has reimagined the city centre as a dynamic, walkable community hub and has restored a sense of civic pride.” “Our priority was to create a great experience for the community and bring people back to the city, day and night, whilst respecting the history and integrity of the wider neighbourhood.” “Invercargill Central has reimagined the city centre as a dynamic, walkable community hub and has restored a sense of civic pride.” The challenge was to sensitively integrate the large-footprint development into the city’s existing context and retain a sense of place, Daren says. Urban planning examined how the city is experienced at every scale, with attention to character, service provision, walkability and wayfinding. Buchan’s design team analysed all the site’s existing buildings, looking at massing, floor heights, boundaries and heritage protection. This informed the scale and rhythm of the new builds, which sit respectfully alongside retained heritage facades to merge old and new seamlessly within the existing city fabric. Lewis Bradford is proud to have provided the structural engineering expertise for this inspirational development. Congratulations to Invercargill Central Limited, The Buchan Group, the consulting and contracting teams, and the people of Southland on this transformative project. www.lewisbradford.com
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