News & Media Releases

Final heritage building to be relocated

1 August 2006

Transit New Zealand will start relocating the final heritage building tomorrow, number 272 Willis Street, as part of the Wellington Inner City Bypass project. The building will be placed on a truck tomorrow evening and then moved to its new location on Thursday morning.

This building was moved from its original location prior to excavation works for the new northbound route, which started in April 2004. Since then, it has been temporarily located at the edge of its intended location at 130 Abel Smith Street.

Transit New Zealand project manager Jonnette Adams said this is the final building relocation undertaken as part of the project.

“The historical component has been a very significant part of the Inner City Bypass project with nineteen heritage buildings now been relocated. Restoration has began on 17 of the other buildings and 10 have already been completely restored,” she said.

The history of this building is relatively uncertain. It has been reported that a manufacturer of blinds, Joseph Andres, who has his factory opposite, built this house in 1879.

“Exterior restoration of this building should start in August and once complete will be surrounded by its own garden and white picket fence, and will be adjacent to the new cycleway and footpath being created along Abel Smith Street,” Ms Adam said.

For further information please contact:

Jonnette Adams
Project Manager
Transit New Zealand
DDI: 04 801 2598
Email: jonnette.adams@transit.govt.nz

Rebecca Collerton
Communications Advisor
Transit New Zealand
DDI: 04 801 2521
Email: rebecca.collerton@transit.govt.nz

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