Harcourts decision delights Heritage New Zealand

4 November 2014

Harcourts decision delights Heritage New Zealand

Heritage New Zealand is delighted with the Environment Court’s decision that reaffirms the retention of the Harcourts Building in central Wellington.

Environment Judge Jeff Smith dismissed the appeal by Lambton Quay Properties Nominee Limited under Section 121 of the Resource Management Act 1991 upon referral back from the High Court. The first decision of the Environment Court had dismissed the appeal for consent to be issued to allow demolition of the Harcourts Building and confirmed the Wellington City Council’s decision to decline consent for demolition.

The Court was “convinced that there are alternatives to demolition.”

Heritage New Zealand Chief Executive Bruce Chapman says public safety is the main priority, not only for passers-by but also those working in the building and neighbouring HSBC tower. Safety can be enhanced through strengthening both buildings to prevent pounding that could occur in a large earthquake.

The Environment Court decision reaffirms Heritage New Zealand’s belief that the Harcourts Building has significant heritage values and that it can be economically beneficial to an owner if earthquake strengthening is undertaken.

“Evidence presented to the hearing by the likes of successful Wellington property investor and developer Sir Robert Jones indicated there could be considerable economic value if the building was adapted for reuse to better suit the commercial property market.”

Further evidence by structural engineer Alistair Cattanach demonstrated a range of strengthening options that would enhance public safety and retain the heritage values of the building.

“The decision shows that there are alternatives to demolition that should be considered. The Harcourts Building has great heritage significance, reflected in its Category 1 status on the New Zealand Heritage List and Wellington City Council’s district plan listing.

“Other developers in the central city have shown what can be achieved through strengthening and refurbishing heritage buildings. The former Defence Building on Stout Street, for example, is fully tenanted by a Government ministry, while the likes of the former Public Trust Building on the corner of Lambton Quay and Stout Street is currently going through strengthening and sympathetic redevelopment.

“Code-compliant heritage buildings are becoming increasingly desirable to businesses because they can offer a unique point of difference, a character setting and with 21st Century fittings.”

ENDS

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