NAWIC visit to Waikanae
It was a pleasure to welcome members of the Wellington chapter of NAWIC to our Te Ara Whetū Library Hub project in Waikanae.
A number of the women in attendance were local to Kāpiti and had their own memories of the original library, with this being a great opportunity to see how the building is being transformed into a modern, multi-purpose hub for the community.
Our client, Kāpiti Coast District Council, Project Manager Dan Bartrum and Project Architect Mitch from Studio Pacific Architecture shared the story behind Te Ara Whetū and the thinking shaping this significant community asset. Grounded in the narrative of Te Ara Whetū ki Uta, ki Tai and the passage of the stars from Kapakapanui to Kāpiti Island, the project gives new life to the existing building, creating a welcoming place where people can gather, learn, share stories and connect. Library Hub Lead, Carole Jowett, also spoke about the future of the space as a community hub for events, creativity, learning and exploration, helping establish a new heart for Waikanae.
Te Ara Whetū is an excellent example of adaptive reuse, with the three-storey development combining the retention and extension of the existing structure with flexible community spaces, a bookable events venue and a modern library. An exciting investment in local infrastructure, and one we’re proud to be helping bring to life!
