Urban Design + Masterplanning

Assessments + Design Guides + Advice

Our experienced team prepares design guide documents, assessments required by Councils and general advice.

Masterplans - Structure Plans - Frameworks

  • What.

    A masterplan or framework is a document that communicates the vision of a project. It typically includes high-level spatial designs and imagery and strategic information to communicate the proposal and delivery.

  • Why.

    A masterplan enables the project team to understand the proposal collectively and to communicate it broadly to the wider organisation, various committees, specific stakeholders, communities or investors. It ensures a project is strategically thought through.

  • When.

    A masterplan is essential at the outset of a medium-to-large-scale development of any kind. It sets the ‘road map’ for more detailed processes to follow. A master plan is typically a ‘live’ document that can be adjusted as more detailed information becomes available.

  • How.

    At blac projects, we structure all projects around three concepts: define, develop, deliver.

    Defining or scoping a project leads to a more detailed understanding of how to develop and deliver the outcomes sought.

    Masterplans reflect a collective vision established by a multi-disciplinary team and stakeholders. Depending on the nature of the development, this could involve technical experts, client or community engagement and mana whenua collaboration.

He Ahi - Eco Business Park

Aerial view of the HeAhi project site showing the modern development and surrounding landscape, daytime photo Alternate aerial view of the HeAhi project site highlighting the buildings and natural surroundings, daytime photo

He Ahi - Eco-Business Park’s masterplan aims to change the status quo for industrial developments in Aotearoa and provide an example to other developments. Underpinned by tikanga Māori values, He Ahi will enhance social, economic and environmental performance by providing a designed space within the 45 hectare site for innovative businesses to operate sustainably. Practices such as smart, renewable energy consumption, waste management and recycling, and responsible water use and discharge are examples of what will be required of such businesses. He Ahi’s location, within the operational Contact Energy Limited geothermal energy field, provides a unique context to the site as well as opportunities across the site for geothermal energy to be utilised. He Ahi will be a one-of-a-kind destination for prospective businesses to operate from and a legacy for Te Pae o Waimihia and the people of Tūwharetoa. 

The design of the urban and natural landscape underpins the development and has been carefully considered to deliver on Te Pae O Waimihia’s vision for He Ahi and this whenua. Te Pae o Waimihia‘s vision and responsibility is to align with tikanga Māori values and ensure this development is both commercially and environmentally focused.