68 | Density zoning key to growth NB Architects has been involved in some of Timaru’s major projects including the Heaton Street Medical Centre. where they recently fitted out the Timaru Dental Care and are now fitting out a podiatry clinic. NB Architects ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN A Timaru architectural designer is helping shape the city’s urban landscape and wants to see the opening up of development in the growing region. NB Architects was formed 10 years ago in a merger between two existing companies. The five-strong team, including a landscape architect, are based out of an office in the Royal Arcade, and have a passion for the development and transformation of the city’s urban environment. They have been involved in some of the city’s major projects in recent years, including the Heaton Street Medical Centre, where they recently fitted out the Timaru Dental Care and are now fitting out a podiatry clinic. They also worked on The Terrace development that houses KPMG law and Gresson Dorman Lawyers. Timpany Walton Lawyers was another large office fitout. Managing director Joshua Newlove said there was a need for housing that is priced in the mid-range in Timaru. “That’s something I have been pushing. Timaru really does need to grow, so residential housing is key to that.” The new medium density zoning in the district plan, something that was new to the city, would see more density around the CBD. “Then there the potential to develop within the CBD would be really beneficial for the district,” Joshua said. “You are talking about developments that haven’t really been done in Timaru before.” This density would help to bring the cost of housing down and building costs down as the land cost will be lower. He said attracting interest in these buildings would be a challenge at first, but, in a chicken and egg scenario, once they were constructed demand would increase. “Once the new District plan rules are in effect you’ll see development start to progress.” Timaru had a large population of international workers that were looking for something convenient that was located close to or within the CBD. He was pleased to see the Timaru District Council was looking at options for new greenfields development to the north of the city. “Not only do you need inner city (development) … you also need that land availability as well, so you are putting supply on all fronts.” While the majority of the firm’s work is based in the Timaru area, they have worked on projects all around New Zealand. They have previously had an office in Wellington while providing master planning work for a large 150-section development, preparing resource consent documentation and modelling the entire development. Recently they carried out work for a Ka Uruora housing development project in New Plymouth, and they carry out work in schools designing classroom spaces and accessibility. T T Rosa Watson The firm didn’t specialise in any particular space, Joshua said, and have worked in residential homes, commercial fit outs, school and community facilities and large multi-story commercial structures. “We sort of mix between those quite a bit. It’s worked quite well for us. We’ve built up quite a skill set.” He said there were great companies to work with in the region. “We’re actually quite lucky in Timaru because just about every building company is good to work for with. There’s really good tradespeople.” The firm has enjoyed success at various awards over the years, including being named as a finalist in the Canterbury Heritage Awards in 2021 for The Vicarage Geraldine, and winning Trends Bathroom of the Year and receiving an Architectural Designers New Zealand Highly Commended for a cedar home on Hadlow Road in Timaru in 2016. “That’s something I have been pushing. Timaru really does need to grow, so residential housing is key to that.” LICENSED BUILDING PRACTITIONERS Building confidence HEALTH & SAFETY MADE SIMPLE We proudly support Josh and his Team at NB Architects Phone 03 684 7053 | www.timaruconstruction.co.nz | admin@timaruconstruction.co.nz Main Contractor of NB Architects Timaru Construction Ltd BUILDING CONTRACTORS Grant Smith 027 788 9808 Nigel Smith 027 735 1031 Email info@firesafetysolutions.co.nz Providing fire safety design services throughout the South Island for over 10 years.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=