News & Media Releases

Transit calls for extra archaeological information

8 March 2002

Transit New Zealand is calling for extra information from the public relating to the archaeology of the Inner City Bypass area, to finalise the Historic Places Trust consent application.

The Historic Places Trust has asked Transit to provide this additional information, which will help the trust consider Transit's application for consent to carry out work which might affect archaeological materials in the area.

Transit Wellington regional manager Brian Hasell says Transit has consulted extensively with interested individuals and groups over many years, and is confident good information is already available on archaeological issues.

"However, if any additional information can further improve the project, it will be worthwhile. We want to leave no stone unturned.

"Transit would like to hear from anyone with information relating to historic or cultural values of the site or buildings, which may provide evidence of pre-1900 New Zealand, through archaeological investigations," he says.

Transit collated substantial information on archaeological material as part of submissions to the Wellington City Council in 1995. This information will be included in a report on archaeological findings, together with any additional information given by the public.

There are 19 heritage buildings located in the proximity of the Inner City Bypass, and their preservation, estimated to cost $3 million, has been an important part of the development of the road. Of these buildings five will remain in place, 13 will be relocated and restored, and one will be taken down and reconstructed using materials still in good condition. One building, the Former Boy's Institute in Arthur Street, will be demolished as it cannot feasibly be relocated.

Mr Hasell says the heritage work is an important part of the bypass project.

"Transit has consulted heritage experts and the local community on opportunities for the buildings' relocation and restoration. Buildings of similar age and style will be kept together, preserved and restored, and their original orientation and access maintained wherever possible," he says.

Transit applied to the Historic Places Trust in November last year for archaeological consent to build the Inner City Bypass. A decision is now expected by mid-May.

Public notices are being placed in The Dominion and Evening Post on 9 and 13 March. The public can view copies of Transit's archaeological authority applications at the Wellington City Council Public Library, 65 Victoria Street, or at Transit New Zealand's Wellington regional office.

Relevant information and/or comment related to the archaeology of the area, together with contact details must be sent before 27 March 2002 to: Environmental Management Services Limited, PO Box 29024, Wellington. It should be titled 'ICB archaeological information'.

Background
The Inner City Bypass is a proposed new road aimed at providing a safer and more efficient route between the Southern and Eastern suburbs and the Northern gateway to Wellington.

It is a one-way, two lane road at ground level, with dedicated turning lanes and a 50km/h speed limit. Existing roads will be altered and redefined, and 700 metres of new road be constructed along with 1080 metres of new footpath and cycleway. Transit will install three new sets of traffic signals and build an on-ramp at Willis/Abel Smith Street and a new link between Cuba Street and Willis Street.

The bypass will re-route cross-city traffic away from Ghuznee Street and the heart of the inner city and Cuba Street area.

For further information contact

Brian Hasell, Transit Wellington Regional Manager. Phone 04 801 2581.
Heidi Brook, Transit Communications Advisor. Phone 04 801 2521.
Or phone the Transit Wellington Regional Office 04 801 2580.

Back to news index