Wellington’s Gordon Wilson Flats to be Demolished After Heritage Status Removal
The long-standing debate over the fate of the Gordon Wilson Flats at 320 The Terrace is over. Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington has confirmed that the derelict building, once a Category 1 historic place, will be demolished to make way for fresh student accommodation.
The decision follows a controversial move to strip the building of its protected heritage status, removing the legislative hurdles that had kept the structure standing for over a decade after it was deemed unsafe for habitation.
Why Restoration Was Ruled Out
While heritage advocates long pushed for the building’s preservation, the university determined that saving the structure was not a viable option. Vice Chancellor Nic Smith stated that the buildings suffer from critical problems, including extensive rot, asbestos, and severe seismic issues.
According to the university, the cost of restoration is prohibitively high, and the current state of the buildings poses a serious risk to the community. The structures have deteriorated significantly since tenants were forced to evacuate in 2012 following an engineer’s report that found them unsafe in the event of strong winds or an earthquake.
The Legislative Shift: Removing Heritage Protections
For years, the Gordon Wilson Flats remained an “ugly scar” on the Wellington skyline because their listing in the Wellington City District Plan made it nearly impossible to obtain resource consent for demolition or alteration.
To resolve this, RMA and Housing Minister Chris Bishop spearheaded an amendment to the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill. This specific amendment removed the flats’ protected heritage status and reclassified their demolition as a “permitted activity” under the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Bishop argued that the building had turn into a symbol of a “failed planning system” that prioritized heritage preservation regardless of the economic cost or safety risks. He noted that the demolition was supported by the Wellington City Council, the university, and the local community.
The Legacy of the Gordon Wilson Flats
Built in 1959 and designed by Government architect Gordon Wilson, the flats served as a symbol of early social housing in New Zealand. Despite their architectural significance as a Category 1 historic place, the buildings have sat vacant and derelict since 2012.
- Location: 320 The Terrace, Wellington.
- Current Owner: Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.
- Reason for Demolition: Severe rot, asbestos, seismic instability, and financial unviability of restoration.
- Legal Change: An RMA amendment by Minister Chris Bishop made demolition a permitted activity without requiring resource consent.
- Future Use: The site will be used for student accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why weren’t the flats demolished immediately after 2012?
Although the buildings were deemed unsafe in 2012, their protected heritage status under the Wellington City District Plan made it nearly impossible to acquire the necessary resource consents for demolition.
Will this amendment affect other heritage buildings in New Zealand?
No. Minister Chris Bishop stated that the amendments were specifically targeted at the Gordon Wilson Flats because the building is owned by a public institution and there was broad consensus among the council and community for its removal.
What will replace the flats?
The university intends to use the land to develop new student accommodation.
With a contractor now secured, demolition perform is set to initiate, finally clearing the site for modern development and removing a long-term safety hazard from the city center.
Keep reading