News Release
MEETINGS 2015
Vbase venues win top architecture awards
Two new venues in Vbase’s Christchurch portfolio have taken top honours at this year’s Canterbury
Architecture Awards.
Hadlee Pavilon at Hagley Oval, designed by Athfield Architects, and ilex in the Botanic Gardens by Patterson
Associates have both been named outstanding public buildings.
Vbase General Manager Darren Burden says both venues are a stunning mix of function and form, and are
proving to be brilliant spaces for a myriad of events.
Judges praised the Botanic Gardens design as a contemporary structure which referenced traditional
glasshouse buildings. “The structure’s long form is an almost ethereal presence within the greenery of the
gardens.”
“Our multi-purpose event space at the Botanic Gardens is ideal for everything from cocktail parties, dinners
and meetings, and seats up to 160 people with its riverside location providing exceptional indoor and outdoor
entertaining. And the adjacent ilex café, and impressive foyer entrance can be transformed after hours for
evening events,” Darren Burden says.
The Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre is also the 2015 national category winner for Tourism and Leisure in the
New Zealand Commercial Projects Awards.
The new Hadlee Pavilion at Hagley Oval impressed the judges for its “straightforward, yet graceful handling
of materials and details, which gives the structure an expressive profile and a luminous interior.”
Centrally located in Hagley Park it has expansive views across the cricket oval and the park, and is a
purpose-built, world-class sporting venue with an array of event options.
“This oasis in the park is a spectacular new addition to Christchurch’s offerings for events,” Darren Burden
says.
Hadllee Pavilion can host up to 260 people theatre style, and 200 for seated dining in the function lounge.
Five smaller rooms for 20 to 30 people each, and a Players Dining Room with space for 80 banquet-style
add to the offering. Complimentary wifi and latest smart technology are all included.
Vbase also hosted the 2015 Canterbury Architecture Awards announcements event at ilex, Christchurch
Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre.
www.vbase.co.nz
ENDS