Grip HQ contacted us to assist with the development of an international-standard film studio, to be located in Hawke’s Bay. Together with our friends at Mitchell Daysh, they had scoped out a potential site – but needed assistance to complete the masterplanning and then work through a somewhat complex consenting process. 

 

We worked with their incumbent designer on the basics of the film studio layout, before taking this to a more detailed level that matched the contours and context of the site. Through this process we developed a range of landscape and site masterplans, contour plans, and cut/fill layouts to help visualise the project and reduce its potential capital costs. We also explored ways to provide environmental enhancements through a stream upgrade and wetland project. 

 

The project worked through a challenging consenting process due to it being a commercial activity that needed to be located in the rural zone. As part of our work, we prepared various visualisations to demonstrate that it would be largely invisible from public view (a key reason for selecting the site), and we engaged with the existing landowners to ensure the design aspects were workable from their perspective. We also provided a detailed landscape and natural character effects assessment, and supported the project through the consent hearing.