‘Compromises’ enable progress for new i-Site in Wairoa

by Ryan O’Sullivan, Wairoa Star

Demolition of Winter’s building on Wairoa’s Marine parade will make way for new visitor centre

A new i-Site for Wairoa is one step closer to completion, with developed designs finally approved.

The visitor centre on Marine Parade will have its entrance facing Locke Street and replaces the Winter’s building which is due for demolition shortly.

At last month’s council meeting, Wairoa District Council approved the developed design of the building on the corner of Marine Parade and Locke Street.

Project manager Jonny Hardie said it had been a long process to get the design approved with a restricted budget.

“We have made changes from the preliminary design, mainly with the extent of the interior canopies and the entrance on Marine Parade removed, and we have retained the door from the i-Site to the Gemmells building courtyard.”

Approval of the developed design allows the project to proceed to the construction phase.

“We received a contracted price of the developed design and they are ready to go now,” said Mr Hardie.

Jamie Cox is leading the process with architects and said the design was robust and based on functionality.

“We have gone through a comprehensive process that is not compromising the available budget.”

Councillor Roz Thomas did not approve the design and raised concerns for the lack of main street access. “I’m also concerned that the courtyard door is going to compromise the functions of the i-Site building.”

Mr Cox said there was functionality compromise with the Marine Parade entrance because of a step up between the main street footpath and the level of the i-Site building.

“The building would require a ramp traversing through 80 percent of the reception area that would have impacted on the flow of that area.

“Taking the main street entrance out allows us to reduce the canopy from the Marine Parade area and saves $150,000, stopping us from being over budget.”

Future-proofing work on the canopy could still be done for the Marine Parade side of the i-Site building through the possibility of  installation during stage two of the project.

That would happen if funding was available, said Mr Cox.

For the doorway from the Gemmells’ courtyard to the i-Site, Mr Cox said the decision was based on trying to integrate networking associated with people visiting the i-Site and moving them to the courtyard area.

“It encourages people in the i-Site to also utilise the space in the courtyard.

“It was also encouraged by the funder to have the ability of business opportunities flow out of the i-Site involvement.”

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little asked what the difference in height was between the level of the Marine Parade pavement and the building interior.

The difference was 300mm, said Mr Cox.

Ms Thomas said the space was currently flat with no step until you get to the back part of the building.

“So why not just have a step down as you go through the corridor to the footpath?”

Mr Cox said it was an architectural decision.

“There’s a couple of components to it including the higher the better, in the event of a possible flooding.

“The best way to integrate the level of the floor with the Marine Parade footpath, the Gemmells’ concrete area and the back area was a decision based on the components including the ground beams that needed to be included as a factor.”

Mr Hardie said it was disappointing having to make changes but he was concerned about the costs.

“I support the plan and listening to what others have said, I think it is the best decision for the budget available.”

Mr Hardie said the construction programme would take seven to eight months.

“We are hoping for completion in October.”