New concepts for a thriving arts and cultural precinct in Auckland’s Aotea Quarter

Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA), Auckland Council Property Limited and Auckland Council staff have presented a concept for the future of the Auckland Council Civic Administration Building in Aotea Square.

With the asbestos-filled building set to be emptied at the end of the year, suggestions for the building include a full refurbishment into a modern office building, transforming it for residential use, demolition and, now, a proposal for a future arts and cultural precinct that could incorporate the 50-year old building or land site with a renewed Aotea Centre.

Aiming to create a lively, activated hub for the Aotea Quarter entertainment and arts district, the paper includes three concepts for the development of an arts and culture precinct for consideration by Auckland Council during the decision making process on the future of the Civic Administration Building.

The three arts and culture options are:

• Retain the Civic Administration Building and redevelop it (and the surrounding land site) for mixed arts and commercial use.
• Demolish the building and redevelop the land site for mixed arts and commercial use.
• Demolish the building and redevelop the land site primarily for arts use.

RFA has suggested it is willing to work with any of the three options proposed, highlighting that “all three options provide publically accessible amenities with a focus on arts and culture, incorporate a home for arts and culture organisations to undertake administration, rehearsals, auditions, education and training and versatile function spaces.”

Auckland Councillors are now considering the proposal as part of their decision-making process on the future of the building and its site with a formal report will be made to Auckland Development Committee in December.

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17th May 2014 - NEW BRANDING FOR AUCKLAND’S LIVE ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ORGANISATION