| 11 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Dolomite Point Development Image: Sheppard and Rout Architects The external wooden poles on the front façade are irregularly spaced and inspired by the tall nīkau trunks prominent in the area. The new centre has a striking green (living) roof featuring more than a dozen local species – all locally sourced and carefully prepared by Conservation Volunteers NZ. A living green roof is also planned for the multi-media exhibition centre, meaning over 11,000 plants will populate the roof of the various buildings. Phil says the new Experience Centre will help restore mana for Ngāti Waewae, providing a landmark platform for sharing of stories and heritage. For visitors, the centre will be a place to learn, engage and connect with the area and its people in a way that has not been possible before. “By rebuilding storytelling and engagement here, we will be creating a really authentic and rich experience for our visitors. “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.” Once open, visitors will find much to admire in the building’s beautiful raking ceilings and open, light layout. DOC and Ngāti Waewae will share the space with their various operations seamlessly integrated. A link bridge will connect the visitor Experience Centre with the multi-media Exhibition space, offering a light and sound experience flowing through various zones that will bring to life all that’s special about the area. The site also connects visitors to shared local tracks, inviting exploration by foot or cycle. Funding for the $41m redevelopment has come via the Provincial Growth Fund and DOC, supplemented by a Government top-up in 2023 to address cost Covid-induced escalations during the project. “As anyone who has been in the construction industry and trying to do big projects through Covid knows, the challenges have been unprecedented. “DOC has had to stage the project because of rising costs, but I’m proud and grateful that we managed to keep going. I think we have done really well.” PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE DOLOMITE POINT DEVELOPMENT Canterbury Sca olding are design and supply specialists of sca olding, propping and temporaryweather protection roofs across Canterbury and theWest Coast of the South Island. 0800 556 551 info@brown-syme.co.nz • www.brown-syme.co.nz For the very best in Quality No job is too small or big Operating in Christchurch, Nelson & throughout the South Island P A I N T I N G C O N T R A C T O R S B r o w n Holdings Limited & S y m e Commercial & Residential Decorating • Wall Coverings • Speciality / Protective / Anti-Graffiti / Intumescent Coatings • Pool Painting Graffiti Removal • Historic Building Specialists • South Island Wide
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