Invercargill Central has been shortlisted for the 2024 Te Kāhui Whaihanga NZ Institute of Architects Southern Region awards.

Shortlisted in the Commercial Architecture category, Invercargill Central is an ambitious city centre block redevelopment on the South Island of New Zealand.

Designed by Buchan, the expansive 15,137 sqm site has been transformed into a cohesive, masterplanned precinct with curated retail, hospitality, entertainment and commercial zones, connected by new and existing pedestrian links.

The scale and rhythm of the new buildings sit respectfully alongside retained heritage facades, to merge old and new seamlessly within the existing city fabric. The result is a mix of richly layered architectural forms and materials that create interesting and engaging streetscapes.

Buchan project lead, Daren Alderson, says Invercargill Central has reimagined the city centre as a dynamic, walkable community hub and has restored a sense of civic pride. “Our priority was to create a great experience for the community and bring people back to the city, day and night, whilst respecting the history and integrity of the wider neighbourhood.”

View more about this project here.

Photography by Dennis Radermacher