13 December 2007

Wellington Wellington Waterfront Limited has announced that the winning design selected for the redevelopment of Frank Kitts Park is by Wellington based company, Wraight & Associates Ltd. 

The competition jury, which was unanimous in its decision, expressed confidence that the design, when developed in detail, will positively transform the existing space, fulfilling the potential of its spectacular site and add significantly to its valued place in the hearts and minds of Wellingtonians.

The design addresses the improvement issues for the Park identified in the Wellington Waterfront Framework and will deliver the following significant benefits:

1.     Much improved city to water connections including the opening up of views and better pedestrian linkages
2.     A Chinese garden that will deliver to the city’s long standing sister city obligations
3.     Events space for small to medium sized activities will be improved
4.     Safety will be greatly enhanced with particular regard to the children’s playground and the Jervois Quay edge of the Park

The Wellington Chinese Garden Society will be responsible for funding the Chinese Garden, with the remainder of the redevelopment costs (estimated to be up to $4million) being met by Wellington Waterfront Limited through commercial proceeds from the Waterfront Project.

“The jury was impressed by the clear structure of this design, which makes it at once an integral whole, simple to understand spatially, robust in terms of further refinement and interesting to experience,’ said Jury Convenor, Dr Catherin Bull.  “While apparently simple, the design’s skilful organisation of form and space works – resolving interface issues, successfully organising usable spaces and integrating the site with its surroundings.  It also creates more exciting and useable spaces throughout.”

Megan Wraight, principal of Wraight & Associates Ltd, was part of the team that designed the multi-award winning Waitangi Park.