Wellington Free Ambulance, Cable Street (1932)

The Free Ambulance Building, at night, soon after its completion.
The Free Ambulance Building, at night, soon after its completion

Designed by William Turnbull and built in 1932 this is a celebrated Art Deco building, although it lacks the decorative detailing that is more commonly associated with the style. The architect’s efforts in giving all four elevations architectural interest, largely hidden for much of its existence, has always appealed to the building’s admirers.

Wellington Free Ambulance, the only free ambulance service in New Zealand, was founded in 1928 by Sir Charles Norwood, businessman, philanthropist and Mayor of Wellington 1925–27.

This building was replaced by new premises in Davis Street, Thorndon in 1994, but it has retained a variety of uses since, including a period as a bar and a performance venue.

Image reference: Alexander Turnbull Library G99922 1/1

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