Uncertain future for historic Elliott House

The future is uncertain for one of Wellington’s most recognisable historic buildings – Elliott House – with the building’s owners recently vacating the ‘quake-prone’ premises.

The 100-year old Elliott House is owned by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) and for the past 22 years it has operated as the College’s New Zealand National Office.

Earlier this year the Wellington City Council confirmed with the College that Elliott House was assessed as ‘earthquake prone’.

Royal Australasian College of Surgeons staff recently completed the move to new offices at Level 4, 97-99 Courtenay Place.

RACS National Board Chairman Nigel Willis said, “For the safety of our staff, as well as College Fellows and Trainees who use or visit the building, we opted to move in the short-term.

“What will happen in the long-term is still being considered. There are significant costs involved in making the property ‘secure’ from an engineering perspective.

“It is rather sad that we had to move from the Elliott House considering the historical connection between the original owner and the College and the 100 year anniversary,” he said.

The Kent Street property was built in 1913 by Sir James Sands Elliott for his private practice and home. Sir James was one of New Zealand’s most eminent early surgeons who upheld the standards of the profession and served the community for more than 50 years. Knighted in 1936, Sir James died in October 1959 aged 79.*

Mr Willis said, “The new offices at Courtney Place will ensure we can continue to do the College’s advocacy and education work, as well as service the College Fellows and Trainees, in comfort and safety. The future of Elliott House is uncertain; it’s a lovely old building but we can’t ignore the safety issues.”

ENDS

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