Wellington’s 'Waikoukou' takes out Property Industry Awards

The former Dominion Post building has taken out the Supreme Award at the Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards tonight.

The winning building, Waikoukou is currently home to Transpower's Wellington office, and also took out Best in Category for the RCP Commercial Office Property Award.

Awards judges credited the project team, saying the significant redevelopment, refurbishment and addition of a new office structure on top of the existing Dominion Post newspaper complex has rejuvenated what was a largely vacant and obsolete collection of buildings.

Not only does the building’s superior structural resilience ensure Transpower uninterrupted operations in the event of an earthquake, the project team have transformed the property into a modern, seismically-upgraded office environment.

A ground to roof central atrium with connecting bridges between the north and south buildings and generous internal stairwell creates a unique social environment. While a Melbourne-style laneway offers a variety of culinary opportunities, enhances user satisfaction and provides dual access to both Willis and Boulcott Streets.

The judges believe this project successfully integrates multiple challenges, delivering a thoughtful design, quality execution and anchored with a long-term lease to a recognised tenant, and resulting in a high-quality investment asset.

Property Council CEO Connal Townsend says "to get a winner from Wellington is fantastic, it just shows the capital is still really vibrant"

"In order to win, from a judging point of view, the building has to stack up economically, and that's difficult with a commercial building."

"The Supreme Winner this evening is efficient, it's also very beautiful, and is a landmark that will help transform the capital."

ENDS

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