It has been chosen by the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) as outstanding examples of both interior and public architectural design.
Waitohi is Wellington’s first community hub, which is home to the Keith Spry Pool and Swimwell, Waitohi Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten, Johnsonville Community Centre, and Common Ground Café, and Memorial Park playground.
“Waitohi is a great example of how involving the community throughout the design process, creates welcoming and popular spaces where people can connect, play, learn new skills or relax,” says Laurinda Thomas, Manager Libraries and Community Spaces.
“So we are proud to see Athfield Architects nominated for their amazing work in leading the design.”
“Community engagement combined with the expertise of the teams at Athfield, Southbase Construction, TBIG, RLB, Aurecon, Boffa Miskel we have created a welcoming, and very popular living room for the community.
"Its success is reflected in the high number of visitors before we closed for the COVID-19 lockdown - for example the number of library items borrowed increased by 400 percent, and membership jumped by 150 percent. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back when we’re able to reopen.”
Construction of the $22.5 million hub began in January 2018. This facility has been designed to provide for future population growth and demand, and serve a range of functions, while making the most efficient use of space.
Waitohi is the original name of the Nga Uranga stream. To begin with Nga Uranga (landing place) was the mouth of the stream where canoes landed. Waitohi referred to the stream and the valley at the back of the Pa.