Boffa Miskell were involved since the East Frame’s inception, generating the idea and defining its requirements through our leadership of the Blueprint team. We then worked with the wider design team, client and Ngāi Tahu from concept through to detailed design. From there we worked in the Design + Build team to further refine the design and provided construction monitoring throughout the construction phase.

Slow vehicle movement is provided through shared spaces in each block, with a focus on local destinations rather than through-traffic. Pedestrians and cyclists are well catered for along the full width of the park. Residential properties will address both sides of the public realm, and over time local communities will develop. The public realm has been designed with provision of a range of spaces for community use, including ‘kick a ball’ lawns, contoured spaces for smaller gatherings, early establishment of edibles such as fruit and nut groves, rongoa (medicinal) species and provision for future community gardens.

The wider revitalised Avon River area sets a new benchmark for future public realm projects in the central city. Four themes resonate across the central city that also informed unique design outcomes for Rauora Park: a healthy place – a healthy river; a distinctive place – weaving cultures together; an accessible place – safe and easy movement, and a prosperous place – more activity for more people.