Central Park Apartments

Central Park was the largest Social Housing complex in New Zealand when constructed in the late 1960’s, with 213 apartments in a fourteen storey tower and three five storey buildings. Novak+Middleton have made extensive alterations in a manner which respects and enhances the original ‘modernist style’ of the buildings. The brief was to upgrade the complex to a healthy, safe, secure standard. This involved considerable work; the buildings were stripped back to their structure, earthquake strengthened, replanned and the mix of units reconfigured. Crime in the buildings had been a major problem and the solution was to make an extensive change to the circulation. The central corridor was removed and internal stairwells were extended to the outside of the building. Apartments have been upgraded to a comfortable standard suitable for modern living. A large communal landscaped park with a vibrant community space has been created in the centre of the complex. This is a sustainable reuse of a building that can now serve its community for many years. Wellington City Council has set a new benchmark for the upgrading and provision of Social Housing in New Zealand.