Architect describes the project

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 405, 24 September 1991, Page 5

Architect describes the project

For a number of years, TrustBank Central and Belchambers Bondy Ltd (BBL) of Wanganui have collaborated to address the Bank's accommodation requirements over

the central and western part of it's operational area. The Ohakune branch is currently located in modest premises forming part of the New World supermarket complex. While suitable initially, this accommodation has become grossly inadequate in recent years, as well as limiting the options of the supermarket to enhance and expand its own operation. Accordingly TrustBank's Gordon Tripp (Trippy) started some time ago to look at the available development options. He and BBL's Jeff Bondy soon found that existing accommodation was generally old and unsuitable, or located inappropriately. Towards the end of 1990 the bank decided to advertise for potential developers to submit proposals for the provision and lease of replacement bank premises. Amongst a number of proposals received were two from Peter Richards Builders Ltd, Ohakune's "Lockwood" Construction on land bounded by Ayr Street, Goldfinch Street and the "New World" Supermarket carpark. Both Jeff and Trippy, felt the proposal was interesting so did Mark

Clements, TrustBanKs Ohakune Branch manager. An initial meeting was arranged with Peter Richards. It was suggested that the design might need to be ad-

justed in a number of ways to fully meet the Bank's requirements and that, since Jeff would be designing the interior fitout, it would be good if he and Peter could

work together on the building shell. It was also suggested that , it might be wise to prepare a development plan so that the immediate proposal would not prejudice the optimum future development of the site. The design is for a "U" shaped complex with shops fronting onto Goldfinch Street and professional offices and consulting rooms facing the supermarket carpark. It is proposed that vehicles associated with both the new complex and the New World Supermarket enter from Goldfinch Street and exit through the carpark at the rear onto Ayr Street. Trade vehicles presently servicing New World will also exit this way instead of onto Goldfinch Street as as present. Ultimately there will be parking for an additional 40 or so vehicles. The building is to be equipped with a verandah on both the Goldfinch Street and the New World carpark sides and this is similar in construction to that of the New World supermarket with timber posts coming down onto the pavement. There is some discussion about the prospect of linking Turnpage 8

Bank development

From page 5 the verandah of New World to that of the new building with a matching covered way to be constqpcted over the pavemeft. The bank is sited on the corner with its main entry designed to draw clients both from the supermarket carpark area as well as Goldfinch Street. It has a floor area of some 220 sq metres and will incorporate an interview room and enquiry counter as well as manager's office, tea room and service rooms. Automatic entry doors and automatic teller machine (ATM) aid airconditioning will be provided. The interior fitout will be state-of-the-art to incorporate the latest technology as well as taking account of the local "Ohakune" character. The dental surgery is sited adjacent the bank facing New World. It is approximately 60 square metres in floor area and incorporates two surgeries, sterilizing area, dark room, laboratory, waiting area and service rooms. The hairstyling salon is also adjacent to the bank but on the other side facing Goldfinch Street. It is approximately 40 square metres in floor area and will have space for two cutting chairs, two hairwash chairs, one drying chair and a screened area for colour-

ing. Storage and service facilities are at the rear, with a reception-waiting area at the front. The design of the building on the outside makes extensive use of timber finishes and shows off the versatility of the "Lockwood" system. Some trouble has been taken to incorporate the colonial and pioneering kind of appearance which is so characteristic of Ohakune, hence the street facade which is designed not only to reflect the local character but provide for ample signage.