Civic Building Upgrade

Projects

Kāpiti's redeveloped Ngarara Building, was officially opened by Mayor Jenny Rowan at 7am on Monday 4 March.

The extensively upgraded building on Rimu Road provides Kāpiti with a new civic heart.

The Civic Building upgrade, with associated car parks and construction of the Coastlands Aquatic Centre, sets the bench mark for the new Paraparaumu town centre.

Total budget including landscaping, car parking and street improvements was $9.2m. Keeping the foundation and skeleton of the former civic building – the most expensive part - and recycling some materials, meant the cost was substantially less than starting from scratch.

Work started in February 2012 and took 12 months to complete.

Major benefits include:

Ground floor Council chambers provide better public access
Earthquake strengthening and reduced fire risk
Energy efficiency – modern materials and smart technology reduce power costs
Stylish design
Lift access to second floor
Modern, open plan layout
Staff brought together from various locations

History

The original building was built as a bank in the 1970s.

Purchased by Council in the 1980s when the District was much smaller, former work spaces were designed around the ground floor bank vault.

As well as being pokey, cramped and short on basic facilities, rot in the outside walls and leaks made the old building a maintenance nightmare.

The foundations and skeleton of the original building remain, but the interior was gutted to make the work spaces open plan.

The redeveloped building is expected to serve Council and the entire community for years to come.

News and Press releases

13 February 2013	Public invited to look over improved Civic Building
19 October 2012	Improved Civic Building - accessible and cost-effective says architect

(To see more news and press releases, go here)