Overview

Napier City Council is redeveloping central Napier through the creation of a civic precinct known as Te Aka. The precinct will include a library, public and council meeting spaces, an office tower, and landscaped grounds. To ensure the space is fully accessible, the council engaged BarrierFree to provide accessibility audit services throughout the design process.

Scope of Work

BarrierFree was involved across all design stages, from concept to detailed design, providing:

• Accessibility audits at each design phase
• Technical advice to support inclusive design goals
• Recommendations for compliance and best practice

Key Outcomes

BarrierFree’s recommendations were:

• Fully incorporated into the evolving design
• Aligned with NZ accessibility standards and incorporating international best practice
• Focused on creating a truly inclusive civic space

Impact

BarrierFree’s involvement ensured that Te Aka will be a welcoming and accessible environment for all members of the community, supporting Napier City Council’s vision for inclusive urban development.

Conclusion

Te Aka is a strong example of how accessibility can be embedded into civic design from the outset. BarrierFree’s partnership with Napier City Council helped shape a precinct that reflects the values of inclusion, usability, and community connection