Wynyard Quarter Pump Station is a critical asset required by Watercare to manage the wastewater generated by the extensive development in the Wynyard Quarter.

The primary purpose of this project was to create a deep wet-well pumping station and 24 hour storage capacity for wastewater. The pump station required a control room to house the electrical equipment and act as the control centre.

Due to the architectural revitalisation of the Wynyard Quarter area, the traditional green block building was not acceptable. The control building was designed to compliment the surrounding environment.

The result was a 12m tall irregular semi egg shaped tank-like structure that housed public toilets on the lower level, the pump station electrical and control equipment on the second level, and a rooftop area that is available for occasional events. The main wet well pump station and storage tank is a 10m diameter 14m deep circular structure which is completely buried. Inside this are two pumps, a duty and a standby, as well as a separate valve chamber and storage chamber with electrically actuated valving to control and manage wastewater flows as required.

Not one single line of symmetry exists in the plan view of the control building, the parapet appears to have been sliced off at an angle, and the finish is roughsawn timber. A very unique and original building.

Winner of the Hirepool construction Excellence Award for projects up to $5M and the Monte Craven Architectural Award at the Concrete New Zealand Conference 2019