Architects keen to continue with WWI memorial

The winning design for the World War I Memorial by Wellington-based Wraight-Athfield Landscap. The World War I memorial project is planned for the Auckland War Memorial Museum grounds and the Auckland Domain.

The consortium that stopped work on a World War I memorial in Auckland Domain is willing to continue with the project.

Wraight Athfield Landscape and Architecture stopped work on the project after a breakdown with the Auckland Domain Committee, which is overseeing the memorial to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War in November next year.

In a statement, the consortium said the committee have progressively revised the brief to place greater emphasis on an "axial" connection to the museum.

The main sticking point between the parties has been a pathway between the memorial and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The committee has wanted a pathway on the central axis with the museum. The consortium sought a shaped path up the side slopes.

In April, the Domain committee requested a new simplified design be developed, in line with the existing brief, to deliver an axial path.

The consortium said an unwavering path on axis with the museum could not be appropriately reconciled with other aspects of the memorial brief, in particular the creation of a space for reflection and contemplation of those who did not fight but were affected by war.

"We believe that the shared space of the Close (memorial) should not be interrupted in this way," the statement said.

Mayor Phil Goff is considering what to do next, including using his powers to take the project off the Domain Committee and go to the governing body for resolution. Another option is to cancel the project.

Wraight Athfield said its proposal, Te Takuahi, remains with the original budget and still able to be constructed by November next year.