Media release 23 December 2014

Ministry for Culture and Heritage Moving to Landmark Public Trust Building

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage is moving into the Old Public Trust building on the corner of Lambton Quay and Stout Street, Wellington, in October 2015, Chief Executive of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage Lewis Holden announced today.

“Our move to this significant Category 1 heritage listed building has been made possible through the cooperation of the owner of the Old Public Trust building and the Government’s Property Management Centre of Expertise,” Lewis Holden said.
“Collectively they recognise the value of our built heritage and conserving it in our city’s landscape.

“This iconic building is well known to Wellingtonians and visitors to the capital and is a good fit for the Ministry in its role as guardian of New Zealand’s culture and kaitiaki of New Zealand’s taonga.

“The building is currently being earthquake strengthened and renovated. This upgrade will provide staff with a modern comfortable working environment where they can meet with colleagues, sector representatives and visitors.

“The restoration is being managed by building owner and heritage property developer Maurice Clark, who recently completed the renovation of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment premises across the road in Stout Street. We look forward to liaising with Maurice and his team as they actively work with Heritage New Zealand to ensure the heritage values of the Public Trust building are maintained and enhanced,” he said.

Lewis Holden said a move from the Ministry’s current premises was necessary due to lease expiry. A long-term lease of 15 years, with the right to renew, had been secured for the Public Trust building and this was good value for a government department.

“The Ministry for Culture and Heritage is the government’s lead agency on cultural matters; funding, monitoring and supporting agencies across the arts, heritage, media and sports sectors. Clustered as it is with other government agencies this new location is ideal for people to access our services.

“The Ministry has an established place in the cultural and heritage sector and being in this landmark building will be significant for us. We are looking forward to the move,” Lewis Holden said.

ends

© Scoop Media