News | 29 November 2016
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Opening the portal to the Capital’s rich heritage

Delving into the history of Wellington’s stock of more than 450 heritage buildings couldn’t be easier after the launch of the Capital’s online heritage inventory today.

Gray Young was also the architect of the Wellington railway station (under construction 1936).
Wellington Railway Station under construction 1936

Wellington City Council’s online inventory has details of all the heritage buildings scheduled in the District Plan. The resource has details for each building including history and modifications, occupation and uses, architects and builders and a statement of cultural value. The website is richly illustrated with contemporary and historic photographs, and original drawings sourced from Wellington City Archives.

Speaking at the event, Mayor Justin Lester said: “Information about our city’s heritage buildings will now be freely available and easily accessible online.

“The portal www.wellingtoncityheritage.org.nz  has information on more than 450 buildings, with more data to be added in the future.

“Heritage connects us with those who lived before us; it helps us define who we are and contributes to our sense of place. These buildings are a huge part of the city we love.

“This new portal is about recognising the importance of Wellington’s heritage – now and for future generations. It will also allow information on these buildings to be easily accessed in the event of an emergency,” he says.

The information available at the online heritage inventory will be useful for architects, planners, engineers, archaeologists, students, researchers, visitors to Wellington, building owners and businesses.

This resource is an addition to the Council’s ongoing Built Heritage Incentive Fund that helps owners maintain and conserve their heritage buildings. The fund has $3 million to allocate over three years.