New Design Sets Scene for Napier's World Heritage
New Zealand Historic Places Trust Information Release
6 June 2008
Exciting concept plans released today by the New Zealand Historic Places
Trust show that redevelopment of the St John's Cathedral site could enable
the church to build the new hall and at the same time retain the former
hall, proposed as a Category I historic place by the Trust.
The schematic site plan shows a newly created St John's Lane with view-shafts
and pedestrian access from Cathedral Lane, Hastings St and Tennyson St
through the arcade. A new church hall could be sited at the Cathedral
Lane end of the site, providing a modern multi-purpose event and social
facility. The new hall's location on the site captures additional sun
and light and could be a very welcoming space.
A restoration project for the former Waiapu Diocesan and Synod Hall could
see reinstatement of the western elevation as shown in this architect's
impression. "Restoration of the brickwork, parapets and Norman-style
bell tower could recreate the elegance and finesse of Finch's earlier
design providing attractive professional rooms, chambers or regional archives"
says Ann Neill, regional manager, NZHPT. "And within the context
of a World Heritage Art Deco precinct this building is ideal for tours."
Seismic strengthening and other works to meet Council's code compliance
could be carried out by a new owner including installing a lift, and modernising
the toilet/kitchen facilities. Concerns about future inappropriate use
of the hall if the land was subdivided could be addressed by the City
Council through spot zoning. Such controls are becoming more common in
central city areas in New Zealand with mixed uses.
"We have empathy for the church juggling budgets and asset planning
for a number of important heritage buildings they own" says Ann Neill.
"We wanted to show that alternatives to the current dilemma about
the hall's future do exist. This is but one possibility of many. Here
we demonstrate that the church is able to achieve a purpose built hall
for their current and future needs, and the community benefits from the
legacy of an outstanding tangible reminder of Napier's history."
For more information please contact:
Ann Neill
General Manager Central region
Tel: 04 801 5088
Email: GMCentral@historic.org.nz
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