Meridian Energy, New Zealand's leading renewable energy provider, have signed a 12-year lease agreement for their new workplace headquarters in Wellington's iconic Old Bank Arcade building.
Meridian have partnered with Unispace for the design and construction of their new 1,800sqm workplace, having worked together on the delivery of corporate projects and generational sites since 2017.
Reflecting Meridian’s position as global leaders in sustainability and green energy production, the workplace will set the benchmark for thoughtful, resilient, and responsible corporate environments, targeting the world’s most stringent sustainability accreditation - the Living Building Challenge.
A first for Wellington and the second for New Zealand, Unispace will bring practical knowledge and expertise after completing the first Living Building Challenge Interior for New Zealand.
Living Buildings are regenerative, positive, and focused on restoring the natural environment while promoting wellbeing. The framework aligns perfectly with Te ao Māori (the Māori worldview) and Meridian’s goal of ‘doing the right thing today so our planet and people can survive and thrive.’
The Old Bank Arcade is category 1 listed heritage building and is significant to New Zealand as an architectural and historical landmark. Over the past 100+ years the buildings have been restored and transformed into retail shops and cafes, with commercial office space occupying the top levels. Exemplifying Edwardian and Victorian classical architecture, the Old Bank Arcade is one of the most prominent buildings within Wellington city’s streetscape.
The building has transitioned from a respected bank institution to a beautifully preserved heritage structure, presenting an opportunity to cement Meridian’s legacy within Wellington.
Meridian’s Wellington workplace will be a physical manifestation of their values, sustainability framework and their One Meridian Workplace Strategy. It puts their people first, prioritizing wellbeing, safety, and resilience by creating a space that is positive, flexible, and able to evolve with Meridian.
Concept render of Meridian Energy's new workplace entrance
The workplace acknowledges the legacy of the Old Bank Arcade building and the legacy of Meridian’s team as one of New Zealand’s most successful and respected companies says Darcy Utting, Design Principal at Unispace.
“Meridian’s core business is to renew and produce energy – the workplace reflects and supports this through the concept of balance and regeneration. The design is sensitive to the heritage architecture and supports future generations by giving back to the land.”
The Unispace project team is currently underway with construction and Meridian will move into their new home in March 2024.
Concept render of Meridian Energy's new workplace end-of-trip facilities
Read more about Meridian's new HQ in CBRE's Workspace Magazine.
