Designed in collaboration with McIndoe Urban, CPRW Architecture, Lily Frederikse & Co, WSP, WT Partnership and Jemma Cheer Design Company, this project received multiple awards in the 2021 Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards. The bridge was awarded Silver in the Public & institutional category, the entire project awarded Bronze in the same category, and it was also awarded bronze in the Toitanga category. The entrance is open and inviting, low edges define the space. He kāhu elevated 600mm above the street is grounded with stone and niho pathways that ‘zig zag’ visitors through a grove of kowhai, elevating them to bridge level. Strong tāniko borders add texture and depth and are decorative details woven within the cloak’s structure, visible on seating, walls, and fencing. The footbridge, laced with timber, is a thread raising visitors from he kāhu into the main arena creating both a sense of expectation and a moment of peace and pause before the action. Illuminated and activated by digital displays, the bridge lifts visitors above the activity of the speedway with a subtle curve to reveal the main arena. The project won a Property Council Award in 2022 and a Silver Best Award in 2021. It also won the Commercial / Institutional category at the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects national awards 2022. Judges citation: https://www.nzila.co.nz/showcase/central-energy-trust-arena-ceta