MEDIA RELEASE

5 April 2017

Another step towards a new museum for Lyttelton

The Christchurch firm of architects Warren & Mahoney has been chosen by the Lyttelton Historical Museum Society (LHMS) to work with it on its new museum building in the heart of Lyttelton.

“We approached five architectural firms.” says Peter Rough, Chair of the LHMS development team. “All were strong contenders, but Warren & Mahoney stood out.”

Graeme Finlay, a Principal in the Christchurch office of the firm and lead architect on the museum project, has strong personal links to Lyttelton Harbour Whakaraupō. “We’re excited to be involved because we see this as being really important for Lyttelton and the harbour area.”

Among the team working on the project is Fiona Short. “Last year, Fiona was awarded at the NZIA New Zealand Architecture Awards for a multi-residential complex on which she was the project architect. She was one of the youngest architects ever to get that award,” says Graeme Finlay.

“A new museum has the opportunity to be a real catalyst in Lyttelton’s cultural landscape,” says Fiona. “I want the museum to be more than a building which stores and exhibits objects – it can engage with the community to share and celebrate their stories.”

Last month the Community Board supported the recommendation that the City Council gifts the land at 33 and 35 London St to LHMS. Council staff are now doing some more work on the proposal, including community consultation, before it goes to the full Council for consideration. The Society hopes that a final decision on the land will be made in May.

In the meantime, LHMS will work with Warren & Mahoney. “We need to develop a building brief,” says Peter Rough. “We’re at the start of that process. Before the architects can begin to design a building for us, they need to understand what our practical requirements are, as well as how we want to use the spaces. We’re looking forward to working with Graeme and his team.”

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