Taupō Cultural Precinct Masterplan

A cultural precinct is more than a single facility or activity. It is a collection of cultural and civic spaces (both internal and external) arranged to afford connections or accessibility between spaces.

In 2018, Taupō District Council selected Warren and Mahoney and landscape architects Boffa Miskell to deliver a masterplan for Taupō’s Central Business District.

The council sought to develop a masterplan around the preferred site for its civic administration functions by the Great Lake Centre, including provision for cultural, arts, and heritage facilities to replace Taupō Museum.

Following input from stakeholders, Iwi and the wider community, six fundamental pillars were established forming the structure of a reverse brief:

• Inside out;
• Connection people and nature;
• Identity matters;
• Creativity and viability;
• A new anchor;
• Looks fade, personality lasts.

A series of workshops and meetings were held with community stakeholders and the wider public in order to canvas ideas and aspirations for Taupō generally and the cultural precinct specifically.

Various options were prepared and presented to council and the community for consideration. The preferred option envisions a building with new museum facilities on the ground floor and council office spaces on the first and any additional floors, with community meeting spaces overlooking Taupō Marina.

The design provides visual and physical connection from the township to the lake. Landscaping integrated with built form defines people-orientated spaces with importance focused on creating a strong sense of place - being “Taupō-made” - for its residents and visitors.