Leith Place recognised by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA)

Upgrade to Tokoroa CBD wins the Waikato-Bay of Plenty branch award for Public Architecture.

Located in central Tokoroa, the redevelopment of Leith Place looks to provide a flexible, visually interesting space that is visible from the state highway to entice motorists to stop and take a break, and drawing visitors into the town centre.

DCA Architects of Transformation were awarded by the Waikato-Bay of Plenty branch of Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA). The citation noted:

• This upgrade to the Tokoroa CBD was designed to attract more visitors by providing additional car parking, a community space, a bus stop and new toilet facilities. The upgrade also incorporated the inclusion of “talking pole” artworks acknowledging the diversity of Tokoroa’s cultures.
• DCA Architects took the opportunity to incorporate linked sculptural timber towers inspired by, and following in plan, the Southern Cross constellation. Cylindrical timber towers form a striking addition to the townscape and the unifying canopy provides a useful shelter and community space. A carved soffit proposed for the canopy will incorporate local Māori and Pacific artwork. A welcome and well-conceived addition to the townscape.

Boffa Miskell provided full landscape architecture design services: from landscape concept design, through developed design and detailed design, to site implementation.

For further information please contact Matt Peacocke