The Wellington City Council identified a growing need for a Community Centre in the central city, especially in the vicinity of Te Aro Park. An increasing population of inner-city folk ranging from immigrants and students to apartment owners was requiring an inclusive place of support and assistance to meet their diverse needs. We were engaged by the WCC to convert an empty shop into a welcoming Community Centre. A long and narrow box with doors and windows to Manners Street and a few more to Opera House Lane dictated the plan. We added colour, texture and subtle lighting for a welcoming feel creating a backdrop for the gathering of the people.