Conserving Heritage Buildings
The overarching goal of heritage preservation is to maintain the historic nature of buildings as much as possible. When considering new uses for historic buildings, the best uses are those that do not impact the heritage values.
A resource consent is required for additions, alterations and demolition for listed heritage buildings in Wellington.
Alterations
Sometimes it is necessary to make alterations to a building to make it suitable for reuse. Alterations should be designed so that:
- the main character features of the heritage building are retained
- the changes are compatible in scale, height, bulk and materials.
All change should be the minimum necessary to accommodate the new use. If a project requires substantial changes to a heritage building in order to be viable, perhaps another site should be considered. It is best to seek advice early in the design process. Contact the Council to set up a free consultation.
Restoration Advice
With proper regular maintenance, heritage buildings can survive for many decades.
Council heritage staff are available to advise and guide property owners, architects and contractors on appropriate rehabilitation. This service is offered free of charge and includes helpful suggestions (sometimes cost reducing) on such matters as seismic bracing, non-abrasive removal of paint, and repair and replacement of architectural features.
Related Links
- District Plan - Heritage Chapters
- Historic Thomas Ward Maps
- New Zealand Charter - International Council on Monuments and Sites website
- Wellington Architecture - Wellington City Libraries website
Department Details:
Urban Development & Transport
