Waihinga Centre

Your questions answered
What will happen to the playground?
A few people have asked about playground arrangements during the build. The good news is that much of the existing playground will be unaffected, although a couple of pieces of play equipment will be moved. The construction site will be securely fenced allowing continued use of the playground throughout. The large shade structure will be relocated to another council reserve within the Martinborough Ward.

Steering Group
Following the local elections membership of the group has changed slightly.
Her Worship the Mayor, Viv Napier will be the new Chair of the Waihinga Centre Steering Group and has already attended Construction Management Team meetings.
The Steering Group will also include; Paul Crimp CEO, Deputy Mayor Jephson, Cr Pam Colenso, Cr Pip Maynard, Community Board Chair Lisa Cornelissen and Community Board member Victoria Read plus community representatives Catherine de Groot, Max Stevens, Ro Griffiths and David Kershaw. Full council is also invited to attend the Steering Group meetings.

SWDC Waihinga Centre Project Update
While it is still quiet on site there is a significant amount of work happening behind the scenes with the detail of the overall design being finalised.
The Construction Management Team are working with the project manager, architects, engineers and stakeholders on the development of the joinery and fittings design for each area. In addition the security systems, fire systems, electrical systems, sound proofing, materials and structure are being scrutinised to ensure that they deliver the best solution for the building at the right price. 
The heating and cooling design is also being further developed. The design will ensure that the building’s performance exceeds the standards required by the Government and performs well in all conditions. The aim is for the building to mostly heat and cool itself naturally, with as little input as possible from the mechanical systems in the building, which will save money on electricity.   
The architects and engineers are detailing up the seismic joint between the buildings that will allow the old Hall and the new structure to move independently in the case of an earthquake. They are also looking at how best to conceal the extensive strengthening steel that needs to go in to the Hall so that the Hall retains its grace and elegance in the interior.
For more information about the Waihinga Centre project contact enquiries@swdc.govt.nz
Image supplied separately – Caption “Architects’ Model of the Waihinga Centre, supplied by Warren and Mahoney”

Supporter Profile: George and Helen Kirk
The grapes and the Kirks arrived in Martinborough at exactly the same time. That was 36 years ago, in 1980. Originally teachers – George at Kuranui College and Helen at Featherston – they brought up their 3 children here. Now they help keep Martinborough sections looking tidy through their business the Lindsay Croft Horticultural Services.
Helen says two things especially appealed about the Waihinga project. The first was the retention of the original town hall with its great acoustics and its long history as an important focus of the village’s social and entertainment life. “It’s always been part of Martinborough and it would have been sad if it had been lost” Secondly, she and George were keen to see the library in a new home. “The current space is far too small”.
They are also pleased that Plunket, the Toy Library and a new playground have been included in the design. They believe these will make the area a real asset for Martinborough families as well as for visitors.