New Sumner Centre lands three top awards

Sumner’s stunning public library and community centre is riding a wave of success, securing three top awards.

The latest recognition has come at the prestigious Property Council of New Zealand Industry Awards in Auckland.

Rated as one of the most impressive new Civic and Arts properties in New Zealand, Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre has won the Excellence Award.

The award-winning Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre.

The building has secured a second national honour, winning the Gold Award (Civic) at the Registered Master Builders’ New Zealand Commercial Project Awards in Auckland.

The project award notes that the post-earthquake collaboration of the community collective, the Christchurch City Council, Athfields Architect and The Building Intelligence Group “displays what can be achieved when challenges are put in the way”.

The new $10 million centre has also won the Planning and Urban Design Award at the New Zealand Institute of Architects Local Awards in Christchurch.

Council Capital Delivery Community Manager Darren Moses says the awards acknowledge that Matuku Takotako “sits among the best of the best”.

“The wonderful use of mixed space in a highly popular place of public interaction has proved to be a big winner with the judges, underlining the role of innovation and integration,” Mr Moses says.

“The social and visual impact of Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre has been outstanding, taking design cues from the local seascape and jagged cliffs.

“It has redefined the community and library spaces, breaking away from the traditional model to form a more cohesive, community-focused hub.”

Matuku Takotako is the original Ngāi Tahu name for Sumner Beach.

The centre, which houses the new library, community spaces and a museum, also features elements from the area’s earthquake-battered buildings.

“By reusing material salvaged from demolished buildings and including precious items such as the Roll of Honour, we have retained the memories of the past for future generations,” Mr Moses says.

Two other Council projects – the Mona Vale Homestead and the Sign of the Kiwi – have won Merit awards in the Heritage and Adaptive Reuses category at the Property Industry Awards.