Christchurch’s Youth Hub has been recognised on the national stage, taking out both the National Category and Gold Award in the Altus Window Systems Health Project Award category at the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards.
Watch video of youth hub construction
The award-winning project was submitted by main contractor Naylor Love Canterbury, alongside project partners Field Studio of Architecture and Urbanism (Architect/Designer) and One Four (Project Manager).
Judges praised the development as an “extraordinary achievement towards social change,” recognising the complexity and ambition of the first stage of the project.
“Stage one of the development brought together offices, consultation rooms, recreational areas, and supported housing for vulnerable youth,” the judges’ comments read. “Designed with input from a group of young people, the space upholds cultural relevance, safety, and accessibility. From a construction standpoint, this was a highly challenging project. The team expertly navigated a dense urban site with significant geotechnical constraints, and a tight budget.
The judges were particularly impressed with the collaboration demonstrated by the Youth Hub Trust, local community, stakeholders, and the design and construction teams.”
Chair of the Youth Hub Trust, Dame Sue Bagshaw, said she was delighted to see the Hub receive national recognition.
“The Hub is the first of its kind in New Zealand and our hope is that similar Hubs will emerge in other key centres as a way of transforming youth mental health and wellbeing,” she said.
Graeme Earl, Regional Director of Naylor Love Canterbury, said the award was a proud moment for the entire team.
“Our team put their hearts into building an exceptional facility for the Youth Hub Trust and rangatahi in Ōtautahi Christchurch,” Earl said. “We’re thrilled the exceptional care and craftsmanship that has gone into the building has been recognised.”
The Youth Hub aims to be a one-stop space supporting the health, housing, and wellbeing of young people — a model many hope will be replicated across the country.
