10 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Dolomite Point Development T T Kim Newth Experience Centre prepares to open The new centre has a striking green (living) roof. “The opening of the Experience Centre will be a massive moment for Ngāti Waewae and it’s a big step forward in terms of partnership.” Visitors to Punakaiki are in for a treat this winter with the opening of a new Experience Centre that celebrates the area’s unique stories and people, geology, wildlife and cultural heritage. The spectacular new centre, which is a key part of the Department of Conservation’s Dolomite Point Redevelopment Project, re-establishes a cultural footprint for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae, who will own and operate it. With DOC’s visitor centre also housed in the building, the new 800sqm facility will serve as a discovery gateway to the Paparoa National Park. “We will start the commissioning phase in late April, followed by the official opening in June,” says DOC project manager Phil Rossiter. “Many other parts of the project are already completed, including pedestrian path upgrades, highway upgrades, car parking, and water and power supply that are essential to the centre’s operation.” Home to the Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki is a key anchor for West Coast tourism. The redevelopment was sparked by a massive increase in visitors to the Pancake Rocks between 2008 and 2018, which put existing dated facilities under real pressure. A concept plan was finalised in October 2018, with construction starting in 2022. With only finishing touches left to go on the new Experience Centre, lead contractor Naylor Love is also nearing completion on another key element - a more than 300sqm multi-media exhibition centre at the site’s rear. Their team will soon handover to Wellington’s Gibson Group for fit-out of the exhibition space, due to be done by the end of the year. Phil has acknowledged the huge contribution of the Naylor Love team and praises their careful and considered approach on minimising environmental impact. “From the outset, DOC emphasised the importance of environmental protection at the site. Naylor Love’s site management and attention to detail has been exemplary, down to individual tree protection for nīkau palms. I think what people will find really striking is the centre’s undisturbed forest setting and how the new Experience Centre sits within it. A lot of effort has been put into honouring this outstanding area.” With West Coast suppliers and subcontractors used as much as possible, the project has also provided a welcome boost to local employment. “During one of the big months, we had 120 people working on the project.” Sheppard & Rout Architects’ project design demonstrates a deep respect for the area’s beautiful environment. Phil describes their design work as “beyond expectation”. “This a highly sustainable building with a predominantly timber aesthetic that honors the site. The curving façade works around and protects important groves of nīkau palms. The external wooden poles on the front façade are irregularly spaced and inspired by the tall nīkau trunks that are such a prominent landscape feature here.” Photo: Fiona Pollard Ph: 03 7626040 | Fax: 03 7626090 | E: office@cybl.co.nz Proudly working with Dolomite Point Development to deliver concrete work and carpentry on this very special building. 19 Hebbard Road, Gladstone P.O. Box 44 Greymouth 7840 www.cybl.co.nz
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