News & Media Releases

Transit concerned about vandalism and trespassing

1 May 2002

Transit New Zealand is concerned vandalism and trespassing of buildings in the Inner City Bypass area will hinder heritage restoration work.

Over the last few weeks some heritage buildings in the upper Cuba Street and Tonks Avenue have been vandalised and windows broken.

Transit regional manager Brian Hasell says Transit will be restoring many of these buildings as part of the Inner City Bypass project, as required by the Environment Court.

"Until then, we need the community to help us keep them free from damage. Serious damage could be caused by vandalism including DIY painting of building exteriors. This will create a more challenging task for the professionals and may prevent proper restoration," he says.

Mr Hasell says over the next few weeks Transit will be carrying out maintenance work to ensure the buildings are weather-tight over winter. This work includes replacing guttering, downpipes, roofing, ensuring windows are sealed, and cleaning the surrounding exteriors of the sites.

Transit has security measures in place to help protect the buildings, and some buildings have been re-tenanted to provide further protection.

Eventually Transit will restore the exterior of the heritage buildings back to their original condition as much as possible. The interiors of the houses will be prepared for occupation and to a level which will enable future owners to complete internal work to their own taste.

For further information contact

Brian Hasell, Transit Regional Manager. Phone 04 801 2593.
Heidi Brook, Transit Communications Advisor. Phone 04 801 2521.
Or phone the Transit Wellington Regional Office. Phone 04 801 2580.

Back to news index