Christchurch J&E Precinct

A world class facility that reflects a civic presence, stands for the integrity of the occupants, and of which the people of Christchurch can be proud. This world class precinct is the largest combined justice and emergency services facility in Australasia and was the first government funded Anchor Project to be constructed as a key priority of the blueprint for Christchurch City rebuild after the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Bringing together 9 individual government entities under the same roof, WSP Architecture in partnership with Warren & Mahoney and Cox Architecture created a design which demonstrates how the sector agencies can be accommodated together on the nominated site in a way that realises the benefits of co-location while still respecting the individual operation and identity of each of the member organisations. The Precinct represents a new model for collaborative service provision that demonstrates the benefit of a more efficient and cost effective public service through genuine closer working relationships within a shared location. Extensive stakeholder engagement was undertaken to establish the user requirements of each sector and collaboration with Ngāi Tuahuriri ensured that the design narrative of the Precinct acknowledged the rich and varied history of Ōtautahi and reflected the aspirations and values of Ngāi Tahu.   Base isolated and designed to IL4, the Precinct will withstand significant seismic events and remain operational to provide central services to the Christchurch community following an earthquake or significant event. Opened in 2017 the Precinct is intended to enhance the public perception of the administration of government agencies and invites interaction, provides high quality public and occupant amenity, and enables a positive user experience by offering a new relationship with the public delivered through less intimidating buildings which support contemporary service models ultimately establishing a new civic attitude for the city. Awards: 2018 NZIA Canterbury Branch Award – Public Architecture 2018 NZIA Canterbury Branch Award – Interior Architecture NZ Property Council – Award of Excellence Commendation for Public Architecture, International category AIA International Chapter 2019 Best Design Award ‘Nga Aho’ Gold Award for exemplar engagement with Ngai Tuahuriri -  Matapopore Charitable Trust