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News | 16 December 2022
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Te Matapihi funding approved for design

On 15 December 2022, the Council resolved to increase the Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui budget by $12 million for design, delivering integrated Central Library, City Archives, Customer Service Centre and Experience Wellington’s Capital E services, and celebrating Pōneke’s unique cultural identity.

Te Matapihi Harris Street view artist render
Artist impression, December 2022.

This will meet new legislative requirements and address the implementation of Council committee resolutions from 2021.

In 2020, Council decided on the required seismic strengthening of the original Te Matapihi building and reconstruction. The initial budget approved for this work was $178.7 million. In April 2021, the Council approved a further $8.5 million to extend levels 3 and 4 and $1.9 million to progress sustainability initiatives to achieve a 5 Green Star design rating. These three amounts are the baseline budget for construction works.  

In April 2021, the Council established new guiding design principles directing the future of the Te Matapihi project. This design defined a future visitor experience of Pōneke’s unique cultural identity and integrated services, including City Archives, Customer Service Centre and Experience Wellington’s Capital E.  
 
The additional funding provision of $12 million for the Te Matapihi project addresses these required elements and legislative requirements supporting new and exciting public services at the heart of our inner-city centre for everyone to enjoy. 
 
The extra funding includes:  

  • $6.5 million for cultural identity, including 13 cultural and art elements and entranceway design.  
  • $500, 000 for a legislation change MBIE has introduced that Council must adhere to and the costs associated.  
  • $5 million for integrated services and spaces, providing an enhanced visitor experience all in one place.