A little over 20 years ago, US-based Kiwi property investor Peter Cooper saw the potential to turn Britomart’s decaying heritage buildings into a precinct of offices, open public spaces, cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutiques that the whole city could enjoy.
“Auckland City Council had given protection to the 19 heritage buildings in the Britomart precinct before the development rights for the area were put up for tender,” Britomart Association’s director of communications and community, Jeremy Hansen, tells Verve. “This was the result of an earlier public outcry at redevelopment proposals by other organisations that had suggested demolishing the old buildings. So, it was always part of Cooper and Company’s vision to restore and retain them – and to work with Heritage New Zealand to make them function effectively and become beloved for a new generation of users and occupants.”
Peter had previously developed a place named Southlake Town Square in Texas – an empty field near Dallas Fort Worth Airport that is now a thriving civic, business and retail precinct based around a generous public square. “At the time, indoor malls were a big thing, and Peter was told by a lot of people that creating a town centred around an outdoor square was insane,” continues Jeremy. “His success despite those predictions was part of what gave him the confidence to take on the Britomart project here.”
Jeremy believes that the collection of heritage buildings is among the most important in the country. “The combination of this with modern architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, public artworks, and with the sunny, relaxed public space of Takutai Square and its lawn makes it a unique space in the city.”
There’s a lot of art and design around the precinct – how do you choose which creatives to work with, and any personal favourites?
“It’s always been our company’s belief that good art and design can enrich an area and people’s experience of it. A great precedent was set when the fountain in Takutai Square was established as part of the Britomart masterplan along with Waitematā Station – an artwork named Te Rou Kai by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei artists Bernard Makoare and Renata Blair with Chaz Doherty. We’ve slowly added to the collection over the years. My personal favourite is Maunga, the five-storey high mural on Commerce Street by Shane Cotton, because of the story it tells about the city, and how its scale makes it such a landmark for the place.”
How do you keep Britomart feeling fresh as the city keeps growing?
“We work pretty hard on programming Takutai Square to keep it feeling alive and interesting – with food truck lunchtimes, our Saturday markets, a Matariki light show, changing displays of temporary artworks, plus performances such as kapa haka, dance, music and more. We want to make people feel welcome here and connected to the place.”
The true test, he says proudly, is when visitors arrive from other parts of the country or from overseas – the response is always positive, with guests seemingly immediately understanding the precinct’s meaning and energy.
“It’s made me realise that people notice and appreciate the effort everyone puts into creating a welcoming city space. Make a place nice, and people will enjoy it. It’s that simple.”
And as for what’s next?
“Like the rest of Auckland, it’s always evolving. We have a few things coming up later in the year and early next year that I’m excited about but can’t talk about just yet. But watch this space!”
Find out more at britomart.org.
