Marine Sports Centre

106 Architects undertook early concept design, then won the commission partnering with Pacific Environments in Association, collaborating to redevelop the existing Royal Akarana Yacht Club in Auckland’s Okahu Bay in the Eastern Suburbs. This large-scale $12 million project is located on Auckland’s treasured and sensitive ocean waterfront. The project has seen the old yacht club gracefully evolve into the Hyundai Marine Sports Centre, catering to a far broader range of water-based sports and community activities than just sailing. The project will enable the interaction and regeneration of a currently under-utilised stretch of the waterfront and open access to a new range of marine-based users. Our concept was based on two pavilions, with a central and inclusive atrium focused on integrating the building with the marine environment and the people who use it. The key outcome being a flexible and open connection between the local community and their sports functions, breaking down the exclusivity barriers formerly associated with traditional yacht clubs. FACTS This project is a best-practice model example of how to connect to the community via recreational facilities. Pivotal to the success of the project to encourage club members and visitors to intermingle and connect via the cultural enrichment of water sports and recreation. The business case for this versatile development included the ability to successfully cater for local and private events within the facility. The design includes inspiring education and social spaces that will inspire the youth to engage and learn. Photographer: 106 Architects