All invited consultants were asked to consider a redesign of the urban landscape environment in and around the existing Te Manawa area.  Concepts submitted by the invited consultant teams each offered unique, and contrasting ways of looking at the potential reinvigoration of the space; including how people rather than vehicles could become the predominant users, how retail edges may be better activated, how the space may cater for day to day users as well as for larger events, and how cultural identity and sense of place might be strengthened.    

Following submission of competition entries, the selection process for a preferred design was primarily defined through extensive public consultation processes which enabled locals and stakeholders to engage with proposed designs through videos, online information and printed media. Rotorua Lakes Council also set up a staffed pop up ‘ideas store’ in a retail shop adjacent to the site for a month which proved to be a great asset in engaging with the public while having the ability to discuss proposed concepts in context of the existing site. All avenues provided opportunity to submit commentary and vote for their favoured concept. 

Following public consultation, submissions were evaluated to establish key themes, elements of value and conceptual preferences. Bespoke’s concept emerged from this process as a clear favorite and was selected by Rotorua Lakes Council for further development whilst giving consideration to the morphing of favoured desired elements and key themes contained within alternative concepts where practical.

Bespoke’s design, ultimately became the peoples design, by recognizing the space as not only a central node for the people of Rotorua, but also a point of key cultural significance being the intersection of Hinemoa and Tutanekai streets, with existing columns representing a revered te arawa legend and love story. Functionally, the design centered on the resolution of the existing traffic circulation to enable the creation of better quality public open space, with improved connectivity, pedestrian flow, relationships with retail frontages and opportunities for social interaction. 

Having come through the other side of a competition process driven by community response to design, Bespoke are philosophical about the process of meaningful consultation informing positive design outcomes. The process for Te Manawa was both unique and successfully managed by Rotorua Lakes Council by ensuring the community had opportunity not only to voice their collective opinion for change, but to have involvement in the selection of preferred design outcomes.

Bespoke and the people of Rotorua envisaged a space that puts people and pedestrians at the forefront.  A place people gravitate towards and socialise positively within, and in the process generating improved commercial outcomes.

Te Manawa was officially opened on 29th October, and the success of regular programmed events are testament to Rotorua’s vision and the value of investment in flexible, quality open space.

The second stage of Precinct Development, Jean Batten Square and Haupapa Street, is currently in construction. The design of Jean Batten Square recognises the importance of creating an environment that facilitates social interaction and exchange. To achieve this, the design focuses on creating a range of flexible open spaces and connections between key destinations, entrances and activities, acknowledging that the area is set to become a very busy ‘hub’ of activity.

In addition to ensuring an appropriate level of functionality, Bespoke were acutely aware that the Hub and associated open spaces would be utilised by a range of locals, national and international tourists. This presented a significant opportunity to embrace the area’s unique sense of place and culture, and are several layers of cultural, social and geomorphological references expressed to imbue a sense of place, meaning and narrative into design elements.

Jean Batten Square is anticipated to be complete by February 2018.