15 July 2005

Design consultants chosen for Khartoum Place upgrade

A joint venture between architect firm Brewer Davidson and Leo Jew has been selected to enter into negotiations as design consultants for the Khartoum Place upgrade.

Auckland City is preparing a developed concept design brief for the project and Brewer Davidson and Leo Jew will do further design work based on this brief.

“The redevelopment of Khartoum Place is a key component of the Lorne Street upgrade and wider cultural quarter,” says Councillor Bruce Hucker, chair of the Urban Strategy and Governance Committee that endorsed the selection.

“There are exciting plans for the area around Khartoum Place. Work is starting on the Lorne Street upgrade later this month and the exciting plans for the Art Gallery have just been unveiled. Khartoum Place is a key pedestrian link between Lorne Street and Kitchener Street, the galleries and Albert Park so it is important it is designed in an inviting and user-friendly way,” he says.

John Hunt, professor of architecture at Auckland University and convenor of the judging panel, says Brewer Davidson and Leo Jew were chosen because their scheme struck a balance between Khartoum Place’s different uses.

“Their scheme was the only one that achieved a convincing balance between providing for people moving through the space and creating inviting spaces within Khartoum Place for people to use,” he says.

Kevin Brewer, director of architecture firm Brewer Davidson, said the firm and Leo Jew are looking forward to the challenge of refurbishing Khartoum Place.
“Khartoum Place assumes greater importance with the proposed extensions to Auckland City Art Gallery. Our proposal is that Khartoum Place becomes an outdoor space providing focus for the broader arts precinct,” Mr Brewer says.

“The creation of spaces for people to use is as important as improved connections from Lorne Street to the gallery and Albert Park.”

Auckland City initially called for expressions of interest from design professionals. Twelve candidates were selected based on their relevant experience, track record, technical skills, management skills and resources.

The project is part of the $4.5 million streetscape upgrade of Lorne Street planned under Auckland's CBD Into the future project, which aims to transform Auckland's CBD into one of the world's most vibrant and dynamic business and cultural centres.

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