When a local council seeking to modernise and create recreational spaces for its growing community looked into transforming the civic centre into a thriving and welcoming space, it engaged  Chow:Hill to explore what this transformation would bring.

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Challenge

Addressing the shortcomings of an ageing civic centre is a complex undertaking. Faced with the challenge: a local council needed to preserve several earthquake-prone buildings and a cherished memorial cenotaph. The goal was to develop a strategic pathway for restoration, determining whether to retain, redevelop or rebuild facilities to create a modern and thriving community-centred civic hub.

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Our approach

Chow:Hill partnered with the project steering group, council representatives and the project manager to assess the site’s existing assets and constraints. We examined opportunities for adaptive reuse, sustainable design integration and improved spatial connectivity, one that would better serve both civic operations and community engagement. Our team developed a range of options, from upgrading existing structures and enhancing linkages between buildings, to envisioning a complete rebuild for a purpose-built civic precinct. Each scenario was evaluated through a detailed cost-benefit analysis, measuring sustainability, resilience and social impact.

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Outcome

Engagement with the community was central to the process. Through consultation and public submissions, local voices helped shape the vision, ensuring the project reflected the aspirations of the people it aimed to serve. The outcome was a comprehensive strategic remediation framework that provided the council with clear, evidence-based development options. The preferred option, endorsed by council approval, now lays the groundwork for a revitalised civic centre. The plan honours the past, while creating a future-ready space for community connection and civic pride.

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