Business South October 2020

8 | Majestic Church DEVELOPMENT Church makes majestic statement M ajestic on Durham’s official civic open- ing in Christchurch in July marked the culmination of a nine-year journey for the inner city church, whose previous premises were condemned after the 2011 earthquakes. After an initial false start that fell through due to planning hurdles, the Majestic Church congregation selected an old industrial site in the CBD to develop as their new church and community hub. Sheppard + Rout was chosen as architect for the development after winning a concept design competition for the site, formerly home to Mace Engineering and bordered by Durham South, Walker and Wilmer Streets. “Our initial concept was quite different compared to what finally eventuated on site,” explains Sheppard + Rout Associate Director Matt Gutsell. “While the fundamental approach didn’t change, the scheme had to evolve and adapt to meet funding and other constraints.” Honouring the site’s industrial character has been a key consideration. A focal part of the development involved redesigning an existing warehouse for use as a new auditorium. “We kept the roof trusses, brickwork and concrete columns and beams but inserted a new steel structure within that to strengthen it. We also raised the floor slab, re-clad it and raised the stage roof. “The juxtaposition of the gritty industrial brickwork and concrete with the new ele- ments is key to the success of the spaces.” Completing the auditorium is a striking front facade of diamond-shaped GRC (glass re- inforced concrete) panels, made and installed by C Lund & Son Ltd. This design feature immediately sets the de- velopment apart, lending it a unique identity. Other existing industrial buildings on site have been stripped back and repurposed for use by youth and the community groups, such as for dance and recording studios and to sup- port business development. The new main entry building comprises a big open space with a basketball court, indoor softball and various multi-functional spaces. A central courtyard links the various elements. Along with Sheppard + Rout, the core team involved on this project included Joseph & Associates (quantity surveying and project management), Structex (structural engineer- ing) and Calder Stewart (construction). “John Craig [Senior Project Manager, Joseph & Associates] was involved all the way along and played a pivotal role in recalibrating where the bar was being set at various stages. The auditorium’s striking front facade gives the development a unique identity. “It was a very good collaboration with the whole team.” July’s civic opening was a special night for all involved. Originally, the opening had been planned for earlier in the year but had to be postponed because of the Covid-19 lockdown. Matt says it was exciting to see the audito- rium up and running for the first time, serving as a vibrant events space. The new complex is already fielding interest from people wanting to lease space for func- tions. The auditorium is well-equipped to host conferences. “It has been a long haul project over four or five years. As a practice, we are proud at how we adapted as the development evolved and it’s tremendous to see this complex now revitalising this part of the city.” Kim Newth Awards success - page 70