26 May 2015

Town Hall transformation and Civic precinct upgrade gets go-ahead

A comprehensive plan to strengthen and re-use the Town Hall and transform the Civic Square has been given the go-ahead today – the first day of formal deliberations on Wellington City Council’s 2015-25 10-year Plan.

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says, “The Civic Precinct proposal will bring life and vibrancy to this very important central part of the city. We expect a mix of attractive and lively public space and top-quality buildings.”

The main points:
The Town Hall will be strengthened and a proposal be pursued that it be transformed to house a national music hub.
Up to $10 million will be spent on an upgrade of the public areas of the Civic Square precinct.
The 1990s Central Library and Civic Administration Building will be quake-strengthened.
Proposals for the sale or long-term lease of the Municipal Office Building, Jack Ilott Green and part of the Michael Fowler Centre car park will be pursued.

“The revamp of the Town Hall will ensure the building’s world-class auditorium will again be available to music students and the general public alike for performance, practice and recording,” says Mayor Wade-Brown.

“The Civic Precinct will be a physical expression of the importance of the arts to Wellington. It will also ensure we can re-open our Council Chamber – the democratic and civic heart of the capital city.”

Deputy Mayor Justin Lester, Chair of the Governance, Finance and Planning Committee, says the proposed project is a “positive and proactive work programme.

“Wellingtonians have expressed a strong view that they want the Town Hall re-opened as soon as possible. This decision means we can now get on with the work to achieve that.”

The plan is subject to formal approval at a Wellington City Council meeting next month.

ends

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