Waihinga Martinborough Community Centre

Traditionally known for farming, Martinborough is a wine-producing region of international renown, which has brought new life and visitors to the area. The strengthened and extended Waihinga Martinborough Community Centre is at the heart of the town, located in the Town Square. This project included seismically strengthening the existing 106-year-old historic masonry Town Hall, with the addition of an elegant new community facility that includes a Plunket, library, café, and visitors centre.

The Centre’s striking timber features bring it to life, creating welcoming, atmospheric spaces for the local community. Combining the old with the new in a harmonious and connected way, the strengthening of the original Town Hall retained the structure’s unique heritage character. The new extension uses lightweight timber and steel, with a transparent and open structure that puts the spotlight firmly on the timber design. The design is a symbol of the town’s renewed energy, and an important cultural and community hub.

Sculpturally expressive glulam trusses form the sweeping roof of the extension that spans 30m across the venue, creating a vibrant and attractive space that also delivers on economic and environmental sustainability goals. Timber LVL purlins span over the trusses to support the exposed plywood roof diaphragm, seamlessly tying the roof together and creating a stunning visual element inside the building. On the exterior, a timber batten cladding system creates a distinctive and unifying façade. The Waihinga Martinborough Community Centre project has generated great interest amongst locals and visitors, creating a striking cultural focal point at the heart of Martinborough Town Square.