The Wharf
The restoration of the 1970s Fisherman's Wharf building has undergone an extreme makeover to reveal the upscale reception venue and events centre now known as The Wharf.
The Building Intelligence Group provided full project management services, working to a demanding schedule that involved stripping the building back to its base structure and a 75% rebuild in just seven months, which included every facet of the luxurious interior, purpose built for the tenant,The Wharf Limited.
From the outset, it was evident the project was destined to be a major exercise. Despite overcoming numerous challenges along the way, including much needed remedial work, Project Manager Joe Holden has declared the job one of his most satisfying yet. “It needed to be something fresh, and focused on its new life as Auckland’s premium dedicated event venue – and I think that’s definitely been achieved.”
A far cry from just three years ago – the building was derelict, and had been a blot on the waterfront for years. Yet its coveted position beside the Auckland Harbour Bridge and its distinctive design still conferred landmark status.
The building’s silhouette is anchored by 12-sided, glass-walled pods at either end. However, their differing sizes combined with jumbled internal spaces lacked visual cohesion. The solution: to encase the central structure, leaving the two pods looking more iconic than ever.
Extra space on the ground floor allowed a flow from the entrance to the upper level, with a generous internal stairway creating a direct route to the Grand View reception lounge at the seaward end.
The walls curve around both ends of the building, like a ship’s prow, though you won’t find any overtly nautical features here. Instead, the walls are detailed with criss-crossing, studded black timber battens, giving an intricate woven effect, subtly referencing formal attire.
More rebuild than refurbishment, the project has raised the structure to a standard that will ensure The Wharf has a full dance card for many years. Joe and his team have been proud to help drive the building’s stunning transformation. “There’s much more light and space now. The detail is spectacular, from the lighting to the custom designed carpeting. Nothing has been overlooked.”
The final result is a lavish venue that glitters in the Waitemata Harbour as brightly as its crystal chandeliers.