NZHPT media release
20 April 2010

The decision to demolish the two Queen’s Wharf sheds has been met with disappointment by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

“We would have preferred that a use be found for the sheds as part of the overall solution for this area, as it is an important part of New Zealand’s maritime history that will be lost,” said NZHPT Chief Executive, Bruce Chapman.  

“Ways to adaptively reuse these buildings could have been explored, and we would have been prepared to support quite substantial changes to ensure as much of the buildings could be retained as possible.

“However we accept the position that has been adopted and now look forward to work closely with those involved in the design for the area to determine how much of the wharf’s characteristic features, such as the rail lines and moorings, can be retained.”

The NZHPT had been considering registration of the Queen’s Wharf, however will not be proceeding with this. Mr Chapman said the organisation would still like to have the opportunity to record more of the buildings’ information prior to their loss.

For further information

Shelley Fry
National Marketing and Communications Manager
New Zealand Historic Places Trust
tel: 04 470 8051 or  021 859 124
email: (e) sfry@historic.org.nz