There are 23 buildings of heritage value (but not necessarily listed in the District Plan) in the proximity of the Bypass. All heritage buildings in the path of the Bypass route will be relocated (close by) and the timber exteriors restored, except for one building, which cannot feasibly be shifted. This work is an important part of the development of the road.
Transit has worked with Wellington City Council’s urban designers and an architectural conservator on opportunities for the buildings' relocation and restoration. Buildings of similar age and style will be kept together, preserved and restored, and their original orientation and access maintained wherever possible.
Significant work will be carried out to ensure the new Tonks Grove retains the character of the original Tonks Avenue – the way it used to be. Landscaping will enhance the area and an acoustic noise barrier constructed between the Bypass and the new avenue. There will also be a pedestrian link to historic Footscray Avenue and a narrow entrance to Cuba Street which will be similar to the original Tonks Ave.
“I consider that Transit has gone to considerable lengths to protect historic buildings in the proximity of the Bypass. In my opinion, the treatment of historic buildings is a strongly positive feature of this project.” Statement of evidence at Environment Court hearing, from Robert Stevens, architectural expert.
Eight heritage buildings will remain in place and will not be affected. These are:
128 Abel Smith Street.
18 Buckle Street
2-8 Footscray Avenue (four buildings)
211 Willis Street
290 Willis Street
Nineteen buildings will be shifted very close to where they now stand and the timber exteriors restored. Full restoration work will be undertaken on the exteriors of the timber buildings. The interiors will be left for future occupiers to compete to their own taste and requirements. These buildings are:
30 Arthur St (formerly the Boys' Institute) {Brick masonry building}
270 Cuba Street
272 Cuba Street
274 Cuba Street
289-291 Cuba Street
14 Kensington Street
21 Kensington Street
1 Tonks Avenue
3 Tonks Avenue
5 Tonks Avenue
12 Tonks Avenue (Owned by Wellington City Council)
13 Tonks Avenue (formerly Stagecraft)
215 Vivian Street
272 Willis Street
278 Willis Street (formerly Catacombs)
282 Willis Street
284 Willis Street (formerly the dairy beside Bar/Cafe Bodega)
286 Willis Street (formerly Bar Bodega)
319 Willis Street
One building, 270 Cuba Street, will be taken down and reconstructed using materials which are still in good condition.
