Civic Level Upgrade Recognised at Regional Architecture Awards

An upgrade of the Dunedin City Council’s civic level, completed as part of the wider Civic Centre upgrade programme, has been recognised at the 2026 Southern Regional Architecture Awards for its functional, accessible and culturally integrated design.

The project, one of two finalists in the Interior Architecture category, was last night named as the winner at a ceremony held at Dunedin’s Regent Theatre.

DCC Chief Executive Sandy Graham says she is pleased by the recognition.

“The civic level upgrade is about ensuring the floor is fit for purpose, now and into the future, while also creating an appropriate and welcoming space for staff, elected members and visitors, including dignitaries from New Zealand and around the world.”

DCC Group Manager Property Services Anna Nilsen says the refurbishment formed part of the wider $23.4 million Civic Centre upgrade programme, underway since 2021, which focused on ensuring the building remained safe, compliant and suitable for long-term use.

“The wider programme addressed a range of significant building and infrastructure issues across the Civic Centre, including replacing a leaking roof, upgrading ageing windows and fire sprinkler systems, removing asbestos-containing materials, repairing deteriorating concrete, improving accessibility, and modernising building services while floors were vacant.

“When the project reached the civic level, Council had the opportunity to create a space that not only accommodated more than 60 staff, elected members and executive leadership effectively, but was also suitable for hosting official visitors and dignitaries in a modern civic setting.

“The floor houses staff from across the organisation, as well as the offices of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Council Executives. This investment ensures the existing building remains safe, functional and fit for purpose, while supporting staff to work effectively and deliver for our community.”

Ms Graham says the project also created an opportunity to reflect the identity, history and culture of Dunedin within one of the city’s most important civic spaces.

“Council worked closely with mana whenua through Aukaha to incorporate the values and narratives of Te Taki Haruru, Dunedin City Council’s Māori Strategic Framework, into the design of the space.

“The result is a civic environment that balances functionality with cultural identity, where the layout and design elements express manaakitaka through a series of spaces intended to make people feel welcome, connected and grounded in Ōtepoti Dunedin.”

The upgraded civic level includes references to the Ōtepoti landscape and harbour, alongside materials and spatial elements intended to create a welcoming and connected environment.

Mayor Sophie Barker says the upgraded civic level reflects the importance of civic spaces within the city.

“Our civic spaces should represent Dunedin well. This project has created a welcoming and professional environment for the community, elected members, staff and the many visitors and dignitaries we host throughout the year.

“It is a space that reflects both the practical role of local government and the identity of our city.”

Ms Graham says the award recognises the successful balance achieved between functionality, civic identity and cultural expression within a modern workplace environment.

“This is first and foremost a working civic building, but it is also a space that represents our city, our people and the way we welcome others into Dunedin.”

Photographer credit: Nick Beadle

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