This full-length documentary by independent filmmaker Stephanie Bennett has been years in the making. It traces the evolution of Britomart as we know it and talks to many of the key people – architects, artists, visionaries and entrepreneurs – who have helped shape Britomart as a precinct and a place.
 

Chapter 1: The Genesis of Britomart

Peter Cooper talks about the dawning of his vision for a neighbourhood of near-derelict heritage buildings as a lively event-focused community – and winning the right to develop the precinct.

Chapter 2: The History of Britomart

With 18 heritage-protected buildings, Britomart is the largest historic precinct in the Auckland region. We follow its history from a busy maritime centre to a derelict, dangerous and unloved part of town – and out the other side.

Chapter 3: The Renovation of Britomart

We meet some of the people who have had a key impact on the way today’s Britomart has evolved: the designers and entrepreneurs who understood its raw potential and found ways to unlock its beauty.

Chapter 4: The Architecture

Britomart’s heritage buildings are painstakingly restored to their original form but still speak volumes about their colourful pasts, and intimate new spaces are created to bring a sense of adventure and discovery to the precinct.

Chapter 5: The Art

Art at Britomart celebrates the multicultural past and future of New Zealand, setting up interesting interplays between colonial history, contemporary Maori carving and other forms from spray paint murals to futuristic interactive video.

Chapter 6: The Completion of Phase One

The Britomart community celebrates the conclusion of the significant first phase in the long-term Britomart project: the 10-year organic development of a dynamic and believable new part of Auckland city.

Britomart: The Documentary
Producer and Director: Stephanie Bennett
Cinematographer: Gary Foster
Editor: Scott Ewing