The New Plymouth Club embarked on a major redevelopment with the aim of increasing already strong membership numbers.
New Plymouth Club has opened the Molesworth street doors to reveal a revitalised, bright and contemporary eatery overlooking one of the best views in town. The before and after views show the complete transformation effected in stage one of the redevelopment to one of the countries largest clubs.
In 2020 when change was forced upon peoples day to day lives, the Strategic Committee of the New Plymouth Club recognised the need for change in their own operations and environment. The committee were looking to secure a sustainable future for the club that was established in 1908 and engaged BOON as lead design consultant. A SWOT analysis was completed and the concept masterplan was collaboratively established to go to a wider committee and members vote to approve funding of the redevelopment.
The concept masterplan was broken into stages to ensure operations could continue as best as possible throughout construction. Together with the Clubs’ strategy committee we identified the design opportunities and agreed on the biggest opportunity to maximise the magnificent views. Stage one opened in late December 2023 as 1908 – a new food and beverage destination, offering coffee, cocktails and craft beer, cabinet food and all day meals. Booth seating, bar leaners and flexible loose seating cater to different preferences and parties of all sizes, alongside a kids area and the new sheltered outdoor seating area. The existing outdoor area had previously had limited use due to weather exposure and lack of flow from the bistro inside, so it was agreed early on that the joinery and glazing should connect the inside and out, while removing the arches has maximised floor space on the existing deck and made way for new louvre weather protection.
The club already had the prime location and million-dollar view on the foot of New Plymouth’s coastal walkway, but the club’s project team has brought the determination and willingness to do things differently. In turn they have created a a fantastic space and have already attracted many new new members and visitors since 1908 opened the doors.