Hastings Police Station: fostering innovation and collaboration in design

Recognising the changing landscape in police work practices, the New Zealand Police sought to revitalise its existing space to adapt to new ways of working. With a growing emphasis on collaboration and flexibility, it recognised the need for open-plan spaces that can accommodate a variety of tasks and work styles.

Located on the prominent corner of Railway Road and Eastbourne Street West, the new building makes a bold statement as it turns the corner, with an expansive picture frame window that offers stunning views of the cityscape.

The new station is a two and a half storey building with a central atrium space that disperses natural light throughout the building and provides a visual and acoustic link between levels. The main station functions are located on the ground floor and level 1, with the district function on level 2.

The structure of the building has been expressed on the outside of the building on the ground floor to create visual interaction with the public and to distort visibility into the workspace.

An integral feature to the success of the police station is the agile workplace solution which recognises the shift in the ways that police work. The staff areas are predominantly open plan and allow staff to have a range of different workspaces that accommodate different work tasks and work styles.

The resulting space fosters a sense of connection and productivity amongst staff, promoting collaboration and creating a visually interactive experience for the public. The central atrium is a highlight, flooding the building with natural light and providing a striking visual and acoustic link between different areas.