WELLINGTON: City Development (Part 1)

[spotila]

woah.. unreal

[flyin_higher]

Yea that design is quite something alrite

[mtb_nz]

ohhhhhh yeah the aluminium-clad design is just soooooo sexy... :eek2:

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/proposed/aluminium-clad-design.gif

[flyin_higher]

I reckon, you guys won't be able to control yourselves, lol;)

[atkinson1]

that is foxy

[KIWIKAAS]

Both designs great!

The second....oooooohhhhh

[SYDNEY]

This is my kind of architecture .. very much like The International Business School currently under construction at Auckland Uni .. no symmetry what-so-ever. Wellington - San Francisco of the South - is going to be show-stopper come 2011 .. oooh weee.

Finally I will get to see the type of architecture that is so sorely lacking in South Africa. I am sooo lucky !

[mtb_nz]

^^

So the best time to visit Wellington is the year 2011... just under 6 years to go :cheers:

[SYDNEY]

No way ;) I will be there early next year .. keep the Bollie on ice ;)

MAN ! this is a sexy building :

http://pic12.picturetrail.com/VOL433/1634828/8764584/119829915.jpg

[Marky Mark]

http://www.wellington-airport.co.nz/images/content/wialext.gif :)

[mtb_nz]

todays update of the Holiday Inn Hotel in Featherston Street

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/holiday%20inn/holidayinn3.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/holiday%20inn/holidayinn4.jpg

[flyin_higher]

Cool pics mtb, coming along very nicely!

[property_boy]

http://www.wellington-airport.co.nz/images/content/wialext.gif :)

Hey Marky..I was in Wellington over the weekend. Didn;t notice anything has started yet on the Airport redevelopment.
There are a fair few cranes around the city though, looks like a lot of projects have kicked off - even in Lower Hutt there seems to be a fair bit of construction activity.

[mtb_nz]

well the maritime building is coming along nicely... now up to the 8th level :)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/maritime/maritime3.jpg

[flyin_higher]

ooo, looks good, will certianly make a ncie impact from the raod when you arrive in Wellington along Customhouse Quay.

[mtb_nz]

^^

yeah the maritime building is a really nice and classy building... pity about it being so short... they should add another 10 floors as there is a shortage of A-grade office space in Wellington at the moment (and for the next 5 years or so, as buildings like this have already been allocated tenants)

[Marky Mark]

Hey Marky..I was in Wellington over the weekend. Didn;t notice anything has started yet on the Airport redevelopment.
There are a fair few cranes around the city though, looks like a lot of projects have kicked off - even in Lower Hutt there seems to be a fair bit of construction activity.

Yeap I can see Lower Hutt having quite a nice skyline in about Ten years time , I'm surprised there haven't been more apartment blocks built in this cycle along the Pentone Foreshore , that area has such a good view of the CBD and Harbour ! :)

[CULWULLA]

hey guys, i have some 1986 "above wellington" books with some excellent photos. has anyone seen it? ill try and scan some pages soon.

[mtb_nz]

hey guys, i have some 1986 "above wellington" books with some excellent photos. has anyone seen it? ill try and scan some pages soon.

i have a book of shots of Wellington during the early 80's and 90's, but if you would like to share some CUL that would be awesome :)
Maybe you could start a new thread for "early pics of wellington" would be cool too... I might scan a few in myself and show them :)

[SYDNEY]

I would love to see them ...

[Capt P]

Now, I am back in Wellington I have been having a good old snoop around. As mentioned by others there are certainly plenty of cranes at work. I found a hidden building that no one has mentioned yet. 156 Willis Street. It will be a 14 level apartment building. 44 metres high, according to the plans at the council (43.8m to be precise) . Looks like they have about 11 or 12 levels up so far. Will hopefully post photos soon.

Oh yeah, and for Culs records the Sumit apartment building has been topped out and almost completed inside.

So has the student apartment building 'The Cube', both 11 floors.

[mtb_nz]

Now, I am back in Wellington I have been having a good old snoop around. As mentioned by others there are certainly plenty of cranes at work. I found a hidden building that no one has mentioned yet. 156 Willis Street. It will be a 14 level apartment building. 44 metres high, according to the plans at the council (43.8m to be precise) . Looks like they have about 11 or 12 levels up so far. Will hopefully post photos soon.

Oh yeah, and for Culs records the Sumit apartment building has been topped out and almost completed inside.

So has the student apartment building 'The Cube', both 11 floors.

yeah i had a look at the summit apartments last weekend... very nice

[mtb_nz]

here is a pic of 156 willis street hotel/apartment building currently under construction that i took yesterday :)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/156%20willis/156-willis-street2.jpg

[Capt P]

Good one, i had a photo from a couple of weeks abck, but I have strangely lost my cord to upload to the computer at the moment. Bummer!. Ohh they are putting up some of the facade. Thats new.

[mtb_nz]

^^

Capt p do you have any renders of what this building is meant to look like once finished?

[Capt P]

I don't have any renders as such. I have some architectural plans from the Council. I am not sure whether I am allowed to scan them in and post though (someone may be able to answer this).

It really isn't the prettiest of buildings, thats the problem with so many of the apartment buildings in NZ at the moment.

[Capt P]

Talking about having some drawings in my hot little hand from the council. I have a few renders / elevations of the Chews Lane development. Unfortunatley there are no heights on them, but in the documentation it said that the building would be 70.7 metres above mean sea level. Now at this location i think the ground is about 5 metres above sea level (actually it may not even be that much), so that would make the building about 66 metres. It is going to be 19 levels high.

Problem is the colourless renders I have make it look prety ugly, at least the apartment part at the top. The first sort of 7 levels are going to be office/retail, then the apartments will account for the remaining higher levels.

Its a pretty big development. It will be very noticeable on the skyline as the building is going to be about 60 metres lengthways aswell. It will fill in a gap to the south of the State Insurance tower.

[Capt P]

Oh yeah, they have started on the development - in terms of upgrading the existing buildings on site. The main bulk of the building is supposed to start next year - so some more cranes on the skyline.

[Marky Mark]

Talking about having some drawings in my hot little hand from the council. I have a few renders / elevations of the Chews Lane development. Unfortunatley there are no heights on them, but in the documentation it said that the building would be 70.7 metres above mean sea level. Now at this location i think the ground is about 5 metres above sea level (actually it may not even be that much), so that would make the building about 66 metres. It is going to be 19 levels high.

Problem is the colourless renders I have make it look prety ugly, at least the apartment part at the top. The first sort of 7 levels are going to be office/retail, then the apartments will account for the remaining higher levels.

Its a pretty big development. It will be very noticeable on the skyline as the building is going to be about 60 metres lengthways aswell. It will fill in a gap to the south of the State Insurance tower.

I spend half my spare time going into Architects and Council Web sites then posting them , have never had a problem , GOOOOO Capt P :)

[Capt P]

Hey Marky..I was in Wellington over the weekend. Didn;t notice anything has started yet on the Airport redevelopment.
There are a fair few cranes around the city though, looks like a lot of projects have kicked off - even in Lower Hutt there seems to be a fair bit of construction activity.

In answer to this, they have begun extending the runway at the southern end over Moa Point Road. Think this is the first stage followed by the terminal (hopefully next year) . The terminal looks pretty sexy!

[flyin_higher]

Yea i don't think there is a problem with posting any plans on here, as long as you acknowledge the source, its all good!

[mtb_nz]

Oh yeah, they have started on the development - in terms of upgrading the existing buildings on site. The main bulk of the building is supposed to start next year - so some more cranes on the skyline.

oh cool... I read an article on some development they were thinking of having in Chews Lane a while ago and it sounded quite interesting... cant wait for the renders :)

[rickster2k]

well the maritime building is coming along nicely... now up to the 8th level :)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/maritime/maritime3.jpg

Looking at the location of the Maritime Building they could have easily add another ten or so floors; that area is crying out for something like that never realised Lambton Quays Tower, that would have been fantastic 160m plus!

[mtb_nz]

Looking at the location of the Maritime Building they could have easily add another ten or so floors; that area is crying out for something like that never realised Lambton Quays Tower, that would have been fantastic 160m plus!

yeah its a nice building that should have gone another 10 floors or so higher... but in the area that its getting built it already is going over the allowed height restrictions

Wellington at the moment needs new A-grade commercial buildings, as new buildings like the maritime building have are already been allocated tenants... they have been saying that lower grade buildings are being upgraded to meet with the A-grade levels that tenants are wanting

[rickster2k]

Whats the height restriction in Wellington? I was under the impression that heights were limited due to the faultline or something.

From what I could gather when i was in Wellington, the big offices were Majestic and the State Insurance Building. I think HSBC has quite a bit of space in it as well.

The thing that I found is there are loads of mid-rise offices all clustered around, I remember walking up from the 'Beehive' along one of the back-streets towards the Botanic Gardens and being amazed by the mid-rise density of offices around that area.

[property_boy]

More good news for the Wellington Waterfront...

Coming soon - $45m Hilton for movie stars
28 January 2006
By NICK CHURCHOUSE

Construction of a proposed $45 million five-star hotel on Wellington's Queen's Wharf could get under way this year.


Resource consents for the five-storey Hilton hotel development were lodged with Greater Wellington regional council yesterday.

The 142-room hotel would replace the Shed 1 indoor sports centre on the outer T of Queens Wharf. Developer George Middleditch completed negotiations with Wellington Waterfront in September.

The building – with a maritime flavour – would be nearly 20 metres high, 7.2 metres above the existing Shed 1.

The Hilton concept, approved by the council in 2003, has been around for 10 years.

The design was described as "abysmal" by an associate professor of architecture, and city councillors Stephanie Cook and Jack Ruben publicly opposed it as privatisation of public space.

But Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said it was "exciting" and film director Peter Jackson has backed the concept as necessary for movie stars and film crews visiting Wellington.

Regional council consents account manager Al Cross said an important part of assessing the application would be the building's impact on the area.

A 50-metre single lane delivery tunnel will be built under the wharf to admit service vehicles to the hotel.

Harbourmaster Mike Pryce said there would have to be some consideration of how the development integrated with ships using the wharf.

It was possible that access to ships berthed alongside the hotel could become an issue, Mr Pryce said.

The earliest date for a resource consent hearing would be April, but it could be as late as June. Mr Middleditch said construction would begin as soon as resource consents were granted.

"There might be a small lead-in time but we'll be looking to get under way straight away."

Construction would take about 18 months, he said.

The hotel will be at the luxury end of the market, with its sister hotel on Auckland's Princess Wharf charging $607.50 a night for a water-view deluxe room and suites costing up to $1226 in high season.

[mtb_nz]

^^

its a shame that the design of the proposed Hilton hotel is so ugly though

[property_boy]

Yeah it is average, would be good if the design was more eye catching and made an impression on the waterfront, especially that site being right by the water.

[flyin_higher]

^^

its a shame that the design of the proposed Hilton hotel is so ugly though
It didn't look too bad in the DomPost rendering..

[mtb_nz]

It didn't look too bad in the DomPost rendering..

yeah not as bad as one i have seen a while ago... but its still ugly :cheers:

[Marky Mark]

If so the finished Building will look alot better than the Render , however compared to some of the other Architecture Proposed for Wellington's Waterfront it is a bit of a Plain Jane ! :)

http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/_mail/images/aerial_view_resized.jpg

[mtb_nz]

^^

ewwwww :puke:

[*astro*]

For those who live in Wellington, although the design of the hilton isnt the greatest im sure its better than the abandoned looking sports shed that currently occupies the area.The hotel will enclose the area making the small precinct more intimate and high-class. Most people have a beef with a private building on a public space, tho the resaurant and bar is always open to the general public, as with the intercontinental.
I took a photo of the maritime and holiday inn buildings, shows great progress! these buildings will add some colour to this grey part of town. :)http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c129/callibucket/P1010039.jpg

[Marky Mark]

Lots of Cranes .... what a Turn On ! :)

[property_boy]

Looks like another high rise on the way for Wellington, think I saw a render of this floating around on here somewhere.

Notified Resource Consent


Notification of an application for Resource Consent under Section 93(2) of the Resource Management Act 1991

Location: 203 The Terrace / 5 & 6 Athol Crescent.

Name of Applicant: Tonkin & Taylor Ltd on behalf of Mihos Investment Group Ltd.

Description of Application: Construction of a new 22 level apartment building with basement car parking and storage units; consisting of 80 residential units and 128 car parks.

Service Request Number: 131365

[property_boy]

Think it could be this building..
http://www.cityliving.net.nz/images/projects_athol.jpg

Will add a bit of height to the area as it is already elevated along The Terrace ridge.

[*astro*]

I saw that building on www.globeholdings.co.nz ages ago but then they took it off..i think they may have flagged it as there wasn't any investments/purchase offers to begin with anyway..

[flyin_higher]

Nice shot there astro, the Maritime tower should look pretty good by years end.

[property_boy]

I saw that building on www.globeholdings.co.nz ages ago but then they took it off..i think they may have flagged it as there wasn't any investments/purchase offers to begin with anyway..

Thought I saw it around a while back also, the notified resource consenst was posted on Wellington City Council website the other day, could be another building all together but looks like it's in the same area.

[Samuel64]

Was in wellington a couple of weeks ago and was very suprised and impressed with the skyline! Its a great city! Do you have any 100-200metre buildings planned for the future?

[mtb_nz]

Was in wellington a couple of weeks ago and was very suprised and impressed with the skyline! Its a great city! Do you have any 100-200metre buildings planned for the future?

there is some talk of a 100 meter building going up sometime. But nothing like 200 meters... but i do feel that wellington does need something of a landmark building say around 170-180 meter mark

Wellingtons compact CBD really does make it look bigger than what it is… so many people say how impressed they are with Wellington’s CBD. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Wellington

[*astro*]

ahh, here we go. Not too shabby but room for improvement..

http://www.gw.govt.nz/story_images/2602_FINAL1873_300DPI_s4941.JPG

[atkinson1]

I like it because it doesn't look the same as every new building and its not bad.

[flyin_higher]

Yea, its not striking, but it has a certain elegance about it.

[mtb_nz]

yeah plenty of room for improvement... like scrap that idea and start again :cheers:

[flyin_higher]

You really don't like the design at all do you? lol

Is it the diet coke of architecture?

[rustawilliams]

I like it and I dont know what you all think is wrong with it. Very confused here. Its a nice change from the normal Wellington architecture and just because its not as deconstructivist as some of the other planned stuff it still looks like a great place to stay. Hotels are hard to design as they have to reflect both the area and the 'Hilton' name. This is a nice halfway-point.

[Samuel64]

Yh i did really enjoy my stay here! Wellington was one of the best places i stayed in new zealand. Well it was either a place called warkworth (near auckland) or wellington. Not sure about that hilton design up there though ^^^^

[rickster2k]

there is some talk of a 100 meter building going up sometime. But nothing like 200 meters... but i do feel that wellington does need something of a landmark building say around 170-180 meter mark

Wellingtons compact CBD really does make it look bigger than what it is… so many people say how impressed they are with Wellington’s CBD. I hope you enjoyed your stay in Wellington

Doesn't Wellington have a landmark building - the Majestic Centre, a great building, I don't think many could top that, even thou State is quite substantial its a bit of a bland black box

[rustawilliams]

I always liked the majestic. One of the best office buildings I have seen. Its not bland but not over the top.

rustawilliams

[mtb_nz]

yeah the majestic building is basically the landmark building for wellington (same building as my avatar) at the moment... but something in the middle of the skyline would be cool.. Something that dominates the skyline a bit more I think is what is needed me thinks :cheers:

[Samuel64]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Big new office and apartment block is set to tower above Wellington’s Willis St following the demolition of buildings there.

The 27-storey building will be on a site now occupied the buildings at 70-80 Willis St

The building, which will be inside the 95-metre height limit, is being designed by Richard Kay of Peddle Thorp Montgomery.

Clem Griffiths, the owner of the site buildings to be demolished, says the new building “will make the adjacent Majestic Centre look dated”. A Big new office and apartment block is set to tower above Wellington’s Willis St following the demolition of buildings there.
i was looking through your previous posts in this thread and noticed this ^^^ has that already been built?

[Marky Mark]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Big new office and apartment block is set to tower above Wellington’s Willis St following the demolition of buildings there.

The 27-storey building will be on a site now occupied the buildings at 70-80 Willis St

The building, which will be inside the 95-metre height limit, is being designed by Richard Kay of Peddle Thorp Montgomery.

Clem Griffiths, the owner of the site buildings to be demolished, says the new building “will make the adjacent Majestic Centre look dated”.

i was looking through your previous posts in this thread and noticed this ^^ has that already been built?


No it hasn't .... I believe it to either still being designed or hopfully in Planning ! There is a Height Limit in Wellington as you can see , due mainly to the Residences on the Hills behind the CBD Losing their Views LOL ... Correct me if I'm wrong fellow Kiwi Sugar Pops !
This Tower will however create an even more substantial Skyline ! :)

[Samuel64]

haha oooo so thats why wellington hasnt got taller buildings. I did think it was a bit funny that wellington wasnt building up more instead of outward, it was very obvious that wellington has a problem with lack of space for a city of its size-- especially being one of the main areas to do business in, in new zealand. i think anyway auckland number 1, wellington 2, tarangau 3?

[atkinson1]

I think Christchurch might be 3rd?

[Marky Mark]

haha oooo so thats why wellington hasnt got taller buildings. I did think it was a bit funny that wellington wasnt building up more instead of outward, it was very obvious that wellington has a problem with lack of space for a city of its size-- especially being one of the main areas to do business in, in new zealand. i think anyway auckland number 1, wellington 2, tarangau 3?

Tauranga would be No 5 now with its Population over taking Dunedin ... next on its list should be Hamilton Sitting at No 4 ! :)

[flyin_higher]

I think Christchurch might be 3rd?
Yea Christchurch is 3rd in terms of finance and business, but its 2nd in terms of manufacturing and industry.

[Samuel64]

No it hasn't .... I believe it to either still being designed or hopfully in Planning ! There is a Height Limit in Wellington as you can see , due mainly to the Residences on the Hills behind the CBD Losing their Views LOL ... Correct me if I'm wrong fellow Kiwi Sugar Pops !
This Tower will however create an even more substantial Skyline ! :)

If you ask me your city council is being fairly soft on residents who own those properties on the hills. About how many houses views would be effected if wellington had no height restrictions?

[mtb_nz]

If you ask me your city council is being fairly soft on residents who own those properties on the hills. About how many houses views would be effected if wellington had no height restrictions?

Yeah i totally agree. Wellington’s height restrictions are a bit annoying for us people who like to see tall buildings

[KingKong1]

Tauranga would be No 5 now with its Population over taking Dunedin ... next on its list should be Hamilton Sitting at No 4 ! :)
Don't forget Napier-Hastings has a combined pop of 115,000 or something like that anyway i know its higher than Tauranga (109,000) but not for long as everyone knows, Hamilton is a way off though at 150,000 and growing at 2,500-3,000 each year it may take a while for Tauranga to catch although is growing twice as fast with 5,000-6,000 each year.

[flyin_higher]

Yea Napier-Hastings is 115,000 combined, it would be NZ's 6th largest after Dunedin if it was one contiguous city, as opposed to 2 separate ones.

[rickster2k]

Isn't the height limit something to do with the faultline running nearby?

The thing that impressed me with Wellington is its pure density, from the 'postcard' shot of the city from Mt Victoria it looks quite a small low-rise city, but once you get down near the ANZ/HSBC buildings and near the 'Beehive' it really is very dense and a lot bigger than you'd imagine.

Btw, what was the last big building to be constructed - was it the HSBC building?

[boybleauXx]

judging from the photos....New Zealand is a very beautiful place :)

[mtb_nz]

Isn't the height limit something to do with the faultline running nearby?

The thing that impressed me with Wellington is its pure density, from the 'postcard' shot of the city from Mt Victoria it looks quite a small low-rise city, but once you get down near the ANZ/HSBC buildings and near the 'Beehive' it really is very dense and a lot bigger than you'd imagine.

Btw, what was the last big building to be constructed - was it the HSBC building?

The height limits are due to the blocking of views around the city... But as we all know the technology in building tall buildings now days doesn’t really matter so much when building in a earthquake zone.
But i do feel that the restrictive heights need to be made higher... as it seems that every new building that is currently approved or being constructed in the wellington CBD are all above these limits

Yeah the last big building constructed was the HSBC... I think its time for another one now :cheers:

[mtb_nz]

judging from the photos....New Zealand is a very beautiful place :)

It sure is... you must visit sometime

[Samuel64]

Is there anywhere in the main wellington cbd where there is no height limits due to the blocking of views?

[Marky Mark]

This extension would wreck the Cake Tin ..... they should do a Smaller version of the Original Stadium beside it ...... and in Chocolate LOL :)

http://bringiton.org.nz/images/complete-sm.jpg

[KingKong1]

whats this

[atkinson1]

I like the chocolate one.

[Davee]

Don't get what's going on at the Cake Tin? Entertainment Centre? Indoor sports?

Spoils the Stadium I think.

Can anyone shead some light?

[property_boy]

Overseas Passenger Terminal!... found a render, very cool...cruise ship looking. Hard to get picture off website but if one of you can try would be great.
go to www.stantiallstudio.com
->click on exteriors then scroll accross to pic#21
also the last picture, a render of 'the needle' proposed skyscraper in wellington's willeston street/victoria street corner. pic #25 cool design.

[Marky Mark]

I like that , real nice Designs ! :)

[Mr.KOngo]

Gosh thats a cool design. Is that a times square, new york like t.v screen i see on it?

[mtb_nz]

yeah the Overseas Passenger Terminal looks nice

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/proposed/oversease.gif

[mtb_nz]

Gosh thats a cool design. Is that a times square, new york like t.v screen i see on it?

yeah the screen thing is cool... but i say just build the thing now :cheers:

[Marky Mark]

Every Design or Proposel that comes up has Class Plus ! :)

On a differrent Note LOL I just had some Clients in looking for a design for their Block of Land on the outskirts of Melbourne , anyways we got Chatting and to cut along Story Short , they are originally from England and have lived in Many Cities around the World , and they said No City in the world including Melbourne has compared to their Love of Wellington ! They said if they didn't have to upset their Childrens Education by moving again , they would be back in a Flash ! The wife was nearly in tears and said they wished they had never Moved ! :cry:

So there Ya Go ! a Nice Compliment for Wellington !

[Marky Mark]

If you ask me your city council is being fairly soft on residents who own those properties on the hills. About how many houses views would be effected if wellington had no height restrictions?

But it would be all the Rich and powerful , connected to both the city Council and the Goverment ! :cheers:

[property_boy]

Gosh thats a cool design. Is that a times square, new york like t.v screen i see on it?

I like it a lot..
Managed to get a picture of it, yeah does look like a NY style tv billboard.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f345/simonwnz/image002.jpg

[property_boy]

Some More Pics..

Market Site
Proposed (Wakefield Markets Site/Rialto Cinemas - Wakefield Street/Taranaki Street Corner)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f345/simonwnz/image004.jpg

Queens Wharf Building
Under Construction (Beside Loaded Hog/One Red Dog Building - Queens Wharf)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f345/simonwnz/image003.jpg

Harbour Quays
Progressively under development (CentrePort Land - Aotea/Jervois)

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f345/simonwnz/image005.jpg

Chews Lane
Under Construction (Willis/Victoria Streets)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f345/simonwnz/image006.jpg

Palliser Apartments
Under Construction - I think? (Cambridge Terrace)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f345/simonwnz/image008b.jpg

[mtb_nz]

Every Design or Proposel that comes up has Class Plus ! :)

On a differrent Note LOL I just had some Clients in looking for a design for their Block of Land on the outskirts of Melbourne , anyways we got Chatting and to cut along Story Short , they are originally from England and have lived in Many Cities around the World , and they said No City in the world including Melbourne has compared to their Love of Wellington ! They said if they didn't have to upset their Childrens Education by moving again , they would be back in a Flash ! The wife was nearly in tears and said they wished they had never Moved ! :cry:

So there Ya Go ! a Nice Compliment for Wellington !


oh poor them... u should have told them about kiwiscrapers and the pics we have on here of Wellington lol :cheers:

[aucklandman]

how come there are no large bulidings being built in wells? above like 7 stories? or are there?

[property_boy]

how come there are no large bulidings being built in wells? above like 7 stories? or are there?

There are a load of new buildings be constructed above 7 stories...
-Maritime Centre (18 + Stories) currently under construction
-Holiday Inn (17 Stories) currently under construction
-Numerous Apartment Complexes currently under construction
-Athol Crescent (22 Stories) Resource Consent stage..

list goes on..

[Mr.KOngo]

how come there are no large bulidings being built in wells? above like 7 stories? or are there?

And also by the looks of it ''The Needle'' looks about 60-70metres judging from its render. looking forward to that one!! :)

[aucklandman]

ok cool, sorry for my ignorance :)

[Mr.KOngo]

There are a load of new buildings be constructed above 7 stories...
-Maritime Centre (18 + Stories) currently under construction
-Holiday Inn (17 Stories) currently under construction
-Numerous Apartment Complexes currently under construction
-Athol Crescent (22 Stories) Resource Consent stage..

list goes on..

Might the maritime building be above 18 stories? Is there any possibility? I should think that the section on which its being built on, it should be definately over 18 stories!

[Capt P]

Is the needle just a pie in the sky idea, or is it a likely goer? I have always thought that a New York Style thing would be great!

[mtb_nz]

ok cool, sorry for my ignorance :)

its ok... u are from auckland lol :runaway:

[mtb_nz]

Might the maritime building be above 18 stories? Is there any possibility? I should think that the section on which its being built on, it should be definately over 18 stories!

hmmmm i did hear that it was only going to be 17 levels at one stage... as at 17 levels it is already over the height restriction level in that area... its a shame though as its a damn nice looking building. So hopefully its going to be the initial height of 18 levels, but i dont think it would go any higher though :(

[*astro*]

http://www.archaus.co.nz/images/archaus/projects/59_delloittes1-F.jpg
This is up molesworth street. Just an idea i think to replace the old deloitte building.

Remember that apartment complex that was to sit next to the train station?
http://www.archaus.co.nz/images/archaus/projects/65_conc-I-F.jpg
http://www.archaus.co.nz/images/archaus/projects/65_conc-II-F.jpg
http://www.archaus.co.nz/images/archaus/projects/56_waterloo-5-F.jpg
New wellington airport hotel.
http://www.archaus.co.nz/images/archaus/projects/50_airport-4-F.jpg http://www.archaus.co.nz/images/archaus/projects/50_airport-6-F.jpg

[mtb_nz]

omg what an idea for the old deloitte building... that old building must go. its so outdated :cheers:

here is a pic of the old deloitte building it may replace... yuck

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/Deloittehouse1.jpg

[Mr.KOngo]

Ewwwwwwwww Yuuuucck! hey wellingtons really coming along. That area around the airport is certainly developing. All it needs to do now is extend its international airport. At the moment wellington is only getting flights from Australia in the international department! Even CHCH is getting flights from L.A, thailand etc

[mtb_nz]

Up to level 13 now :)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/maritime/P3050001.jpg

[Marky Mark]

Oh and another beaut Wellington Day ! :)

[flyin_higher]

Indeed, very good shot, the building starting to have real impact on Customhouse Quay now.

[mtb_nz]

Indeed, very good shot, the building starting to have real impact on Customhouse Quay now.

and its a wicked design too :cheers:

[flyin_higher]

Will be interested to see how the glass cladding turns out too

[Marky Mark]

Well it had to happen sooner or Later ! Imagine Wellington with a full on Skyline at Lower Hutt ... Petone ..... as well !

Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Lower Hutt Apartment Tower

Yesterday the Hutt News published an article on a proposed 14 storey tall apartment building to be built on the existing site of the Angus Inn.

The tower will overlook the houses and backyards of many houses in the neighbourhood and will block the evening sun for some residents so natually they are a little peeved about it. But they can't object to it as it's permitted under the district plan.

This stand-off is actually caused by a loop-hole in the Resource Management Act - because Council and Residents didn't contemplate a tower block being built there is no restriction was included in the district plan about the site preventing the building going up.

Of course, if the old common law process was in place - that is, a property owner could prove some injury (like loss of privacy and sunlight) would occur because of the actions of the Tower developers - then they could prevent the construction until all parties had negotiated an agreeable course of action. :)

[rustawilliams]

Lower Hutt is becoming a manakau. Wellington must have an obsession with 15-storey buildings. Hope it looks good.

[flyin_higher]

You can hardly make a comparison between Maukau and Lower Hutt, I mean really?

[mtb_nz]

lol at Lower Hutt becoming a manakau... maybe in another 20 years time :cheers:

[Loafer]

Lower Hutt is becoming a manakau. Wellington must have an obsession with 15-storey buildings. Hope it looks good.

Haha, are they gonna build a Rainbow's End there too?

[aucklandman]

lol with a corrogated iron fear fall?

[Marky Mark]

Lower Hutt is becoming a manakau. Wellington must have an obsession with 15-storey buildings. Hope it looks good.

There is so much Potential in Lower Hutt and Petone , whilst the Population will never Match Manukau City , it does have the Potential to match its Skyline , within Ten Years ! :)

http://community.tempe.gov/sister/images/nz/Nz11a.jpg

[rustawilliams]

Maybe I took it a WEE bit too far, give me a break. Just a reference to the socio-economic class. Also, hope this theme park'll be better than Rainbow's End, or Splash Planet, why do councils think these things make money.

[flyin_higher]

I actully reckon Petone has alot of potential, its got a bit of character, something I noticed when I was there in January for the Petone Street Festival on Jackson St (Fat Freddy's played for free!:carrot: )

[flyin_higher]

Hey this site/thread is quoted and commented about on a Wellington Urbanism Blog, check it out...
http://wellurban.blogspot.com/2006/04/high-rise-highlights.html
Its a pretty cool blog about Wellington, I check it out regularly.
Apparently we aren't critical or nuanced enough with our comments about high rises, lol. :cheers:

[Capt P]

Quick Update - Sorry No Pics

Took a stroll around the city the other day - Without my camera - sorry.

Holiday Inn looks like it is up to its full height in Strustural Steel. I count 20 levels - much higher than expected (the top two may be service levels). May have to try and get some plans, the render they had on the website(that we were all looking at) I suspect is an old one and if fact they tacked a couple of extra floors on cause they weren't building all three buildings.

Maritime tower is up to Level 16 and rising. The facade is going on and it looks pretty cool. The crane was recently raised and now is as high as the Mobil on the Park.

156 Willis Street has been topped out (only saw from a distance).

other updates will follow, but we need some more photos - there are so many projects going on in the city its not funny, cranes seem to be popping up all the time.

[Marky Mark]

Yes we haven't scene or heard much from the Wellington Gang Lately , would be good to see some new Photo's :cheers:

[flyin_higher]

Yea, I was in Wellington just last week and there are a fair few cranes around. Portal apatments just across from Te Papa have just started too, but I think they're only 11-12 levels.

[Marky Mark]

Opps Sorry wrong Photo LOL :)


http://images.open2view.com/IMAGES/XL/7/9/6/5/119569.jpg?&r=2 :)

[atkinson1]

You just wanted to show us that gorgeous Auckland photo in a Wellington thread didn't you? You've got some nerve lol I love it

[Marky Mark]

A week later Marky finds it LOL :)

http://images.open2view.com/IMAGES/XL/1/0/8/2/126280.jpg?&r=2

[Marky Mark]

Is that way out ? :)

http://images.open2view.com/IMAGES/XL/1/0/8/5/104580.jpg?&r=10

[azzawaza]

There is so much Potential in Lower Hutt and Petone , whilst the Population will never Match Manukau City , it does have the Potential to match its Skyline , within Ten Years ! :)

http://community.tempe.gov/sister/images/nz/Nz11a.jpg


hey guys im 18 yaer old from wellington and i find it hard today to not notice that wellington skyline and more interestly lowerhutts buildings are on the increase.

what i think wellington needs is more bigger buildings taller ones and dont say earthquakes earthquakes earthqukes because look at taipai 101.

anyway lowerhutt man Westfield Queensgate has just finnshed there new buildings and now were seeing the new harveynormands building going up and the proposel of the new 15 store angau hotel sounds cool

[mtb_nz]

Is that way out ? :)

http://images.open2view.com/IMAGES/XL/1/0/8/5/104580.jpg?&r=10

its not that far out... only 10Kms from the CBD :)

[Marky Mark]

I was trying to remember the distances LOL

Welcome Azzawazza ! :)

[Davee]

Hi Azzawazza - put you detail in our Kiwi Count Thread!

Looking forward to your postssssss!

[Marky Mark]

I was trying to remember the distances LOL

Welcome Azzawazza ! :)http://images.google.com.au/images?q=tbn:76yUdARhvh7CpM:http://www.nzsme.org.nz/images02/shake.png

[Mr.KOngo]

That jonhsonville project is NAAASSSTTY! Has anyone seen whats going on with the maritime building or the holiday inn? Nearing completion or not?

[CH]

The first is a very terrible!!!

[flyin_higher]

That jonhsonville project is NAAASSSTTY! Has anyone seen whats going on with the maritime building or the holiday inn? Nearing completion or not?
Yea i've seen them; Maritime Tower is close to topping out, with class cladding just beginnning to be put on. The Holiday Inn has topped out, and external cladding is being put on.

[mtb_nz]

That jonhsonville project is NAAASSSTTY! Has anyone seen whats going on with the maritime building or the holiday inn? Nearing completion or not?

but lucky the maritime building is sexy... looks nice with the glass they have put up so far... ill have to take a few pics in wellington this weekend :)

[TonyNZ]

Can some one living in wellington plz take some photos of the development going on!!! :gaah:

[Davee]

Happy birthday for the 2nd of May Tony - hope you had a great day!!!

[Mr.KOngo]

Can some one living in wellington plz take some photos of the development going on!!! :gaah:

mtb_nz!!!!

[Stan]

I will take some Wellington pics on Sunday.

Waterfront plus these 2 buildings will be included!!!

[TonyNZ]

Happy birthday for the 2nd of May Tony - hope you had a great day!!!

Thanx
David i had an awesome day! :) :cheers:

[TonyNZ]

I will take some Wellington pics on Sunday.

Waterfront plus these 2 buildings will be included!!!

Excellent i cant wait! :cheers: Stan you r a champion!

[Stan]

Here we go, took these this morning. Shame about the weather.

New hotel (Holiday Inn, I think)

http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/4887/img24016pv.jpg



Maritime Tower

http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/7065/img24025id.jpg


2 of them together :cheers:

http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/708/img24049fz.jpg

[property_boy]

Wellington Airport International Terminal Upgrade Begins



Work on a major upgrade to Wellington Airport's International Terminal which will double processing capacity has commenced.

In August 2005, Wellington Airport announced plans to invest $42 million to expand and upgrade its international terminal to accommodate traffic growth. This investment will deliver a more spacious international lounge, improvements to duty free shopping, expanded and reconfigured processing areas, and the addition of two aerobridge international departure gates.

On international departures:

Improving the impact and visibility of the entrance to international departure;
More space for Customs to allow more rapid processing of passengers as the airport grows;
Extra aviation security screening point to avoid congestion;
Improved duty free shopping with the appointment of a new duty free operator and additional stores.
On international arrivals:
An additional international baggage collection belt, with the ability to interchange with domestic at peak times;
Doubling Customs and MAF processing areas to accelerate passenger flow;
Capacity to increase the number of x-ray screening machines, again improving customer comfort and processing times.

Wellington Airport is currently built to process 500 international passengers per hour at peak times, but on occasion has had to deal with over 700 per hour. The terminal improvements will double the processing capacity of international passengers to 1000 passengers per hour.

The international terminal will have a large number of aesthetic alterations giving it a light and open feel. One entire wall of the international departure lounge will contain an aquatic tank, reflecting Wellington Airport's south coast location.

"The new cutting-edge look and feel of Wellington Airport is in keeping with its ‘Wild at Heart' attitude, and will greatly enhance the whole air travel experience," said Simon Draper, Chief Executive. "International passengers arriving and departing from Wellington Airport will notice a huge difference in ease and speed of processing at both ends."

Wellington Airport welcomes the addition of Regency Duty Free as the preferred tenderer for duty free shopping. Regency Duty Free is a member of The Nuance Group, the world's largest and most experienced airport retail company. Duty Free shopping at Wellington Airport will become more flexible with passengers having an increasing range of products and brands to choose from.

Wellington architects Studio of Pacific Architecture and Warren and Mahoney have done the design, and Mainzeal Construction is the main contractor for Stage 1. Mainzeal was also the main contractor for the Main Terminal development completed in 2000, and the Airport Retail Park in Rongotai.

Stage 1 is due for completion in late 2006.

END

Issued by: Wellington International Airport Limited



Enquiries to:
Louise Murray 027 256 8352

Media Release Date: 28/04/2006

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f345/simonwnz/untitled.jpg

[mtb_nz]

nice pics there stan, yeah the maritime tower is looking sexy now :)

And the holiday inn I think looks better than the initial renders too :cheers:

[TonyNZ]

Thanx Stan for getting out there and taking those shots, maritime tower and the holiday inn look fantastic! :cheers:

[flyin_higher]

I reckon, both towers look great! I hope the street level parts of these buildings turn out to be as good as the rest.

[Davee]

Thanks Stan - Wellington is fantastic.

Property boy - good news - one of you guys should start a Wellington International Airport thread - there are some brilliant pictures about - and I think the new Wellington Terminal will look better than the AKL and CHC!!!

With a WIA thread we will be able to keep up to date with whats going on at the 3 major NZ airports!!!

[Marky Mark]

Nana will escort you to take secret Photo's of this proposal once it is released , but please remember to keep your Chest covered , she is known for getting over excited ! :cheers:

Waterfront Subcommittee Accepts Design Proposal
7:50 AM, 09 May 2006 Print this story

The Wellington City Council might give the go-ahead to yet another controversial building on the city's waterfront.

The Wellington Waterfront Development Subcommittee voted last night to accept a design proposal for the Overseas Passenger Terminal.

The council-controlled waterfront management company says the site must be developed as the wharf beneath it is badly in need of repairs. It was built in 1907.

Wellington Waterfront chief executive, Ian Pike, says the cost of repairs for the wharf alone is estimated to be $10 million.

But Wellington Waterfront Watch wants the government to take back ownership of the foreshore and seabed under the wharf.

It says that would stop the council developing the land for private use under the Foreshore & Seabed Act.

The proposed design by Ian Athfield will be presented for public feedback during May and June.

© NewsRoom 2006 :)


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Stan]

I will be your eyes of Wellington.

We have this really futuristic boat called "earth race" in the harbor at the moment so I will take some pics of it tomorrow (if it doesn’t leave harbor by then that is) :)

Any other requests? Will see if I can dig up proposed design for Overseas Passenger Terminal. Ahh its good thing being a student ... so much time to kill!

[property_boy]

Found some good renders Stand.. here they are.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6909/1288/1600/OPT_south_end_details.jpg
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6909/1288/1600/OPT_middle_details.jpg
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/6909/1288/1600/OPT_north_end_details.jpg

[Marky Mark]

Yeah I reckon that would fit in with the waterfront pretty Nicely :)

[Davee]

Does that look good or what!!!!!!
Wellington does it again with style.

You should see the horror that cruise ships pull up to when they arrive in Christchurch - I'm surprised they even both, it looks so bad.

[mtb_nz]

Well its at full height now (shame that it wasn’t allowed to go any higher)

but she is looking good now

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/maritime/P6110045.jpg

[Marky Mark]

Shes looking Glam ! :)

[Mr.KOngo]

VERY NICE! does she make a good impact on the skyline?

[flyin_higher]

Yea great update! I was in Wellington myself this weekend for a 21st, but didn't have my camera on me. Looking very nice is Wellington, I love what they have done with Waitangi Park, very swish! :cheers:

[Verdi]

love the art deco typ shape to the building. very nice indeed!

[SYDNEY]

Fabulous pics and projects on the horison - I will be arriving in Wellington on the 29th -I can't wait to see the city. I have been told that I won't want to come back to Auckland - let's wait and see ;) lock up all the good looking men LOL

[Marky Mark]

Fabulous pics and projects on the horison - I will be arriving in Wellington on the 29th -I can't wait to see the city. I have been told that I won't want to come back to Auckland - let's wait and see ;) lock up all the good looking men LOL

Moist undies will develope within the first 10 minutes LOL :)

[flyin_higher]

Oh yep you will enjoy it in Wellington Enigma :cheers: No doubt you will check out the Pound lol.

[SYDNEY]

Moist undies will develope within the first 10 minutes LOL :)

LOL .. Thx for the tip (excuse the pun) Sweety .. my camera is going to work overtime - stay tuned ;)

[SYDNEY]

Oh yep you will enjoy it in Wellington Enigma :cheers: No doubt you will check out the Pound lol.

I have heard that Wellington's nightlife is legendary and the Pound is on my list of "must see" .. I can't wait !

[mtb_nz]

VERY NICE! does she make a good impact on the skyline?

not much of an impact on wellingtons skyline... but she is a fine building... and thats what counts aye :cheers:

[mtb_nz]

I have heard that Wellington's nightlife is legendary and the Pound is on my list of "must see" .. I can't wait !

yeah the nightlife in Welly is really good :cheers:

[mtb_nz]

And another update of the holiday inn... which is looking quite nice now

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/holiday%20inn/P6110051.jpg

[flyin_higher]

Maritime Tower is also very visible when ur coming into Wellington along Customhouse Quay, a very nice face for the CBD at the northern end.

[TonyNZ]

Both buildings look awesome!, just wish they were both say 4 stories taller, then they would probably impact on Wellingtons skyline.

[Kiss the Rain]

Why cant chch have something decent for once while wellington gets all the office tower, i dont get it, isnt chch suppose to be bigger than wellington which means more people need place to work?

[Moveax]

Why cant chch have something decent for once while wellington gets all the office tower, i dont get it, isnt chch suppose to be bigger than wellington which means more people need place to work?

I'm assuming it is because christchurch has plenty of flat land so no need to build up, wellington lacks flat land and wellington is the capital so there are lots of government related offices. Also something like 60,000 people work in the cbd, incredibly high for the size of the city, so i'm assuming that christchurch people are working all over the place, another reason for not having dense amounts of taller buildings.

[NZGSR]

Plus Christchurch is more of an Industrial City than a Commercial City. So compare the two in industries and Chch blows Wellington away just like Wellington does to CHCH in Commercial. Plus its flat aswell-why build up when you got 100's of ks to go before you hit the alps:D

[Mr.KOngo]

Why cant chch have something decent for once while wellington gets all the office tower, i dont get it, isnt chch suppose to be bigger than wellington which means more people need place to work?

Christchurch popn is taken from a huge area, much larger than Wellingtons. Wellington probably has a much larger city population than ChCh - which population has quite a sparse distribution. The map belopw shows the canterbury (CHCH) boundary

http://www.lgnz.co.nz/lg-sector/maps/south3.gif

[mtb_nz]

Both buildings look awesome!, just wish they were both say 4 stories taller, then they would probably impact on Wellingtons skyline.

Yeah i totally agree about the height of these buildings, especially the maritime building, which i think needs to be at least 10 levels higher.... but both are hitting the height limits in that area (actually I think the maritime tower was over the height limit for that area anyway?)

[Marky Mark]

Cool site , pitty not more info but ! :)
http://www.archaus.co.nz/home/

http://www.archaus.co.nz/images/archaus/projects/65_conc-I-F.jpg

[SYDNEY]

There are some cool & funky proposals on that site - Wellington architecture seems to be very avante garde .. I will be there in 12 days time - I am counting the sleeps ;)

[mtb_nz]

Cool site , pitty not more info but ! :)
http://www.archaus.co.nz/home/

http://www.archaus.co.nz/images/archaus/projects/65_conc-I-F.jpg

oh i like that design very much... just needs to be a bit taller though :)

[Moveax]

Are you sure thats for wellington? It doesn't say anything about it on the page with the picture.

[Marky Mark]

Are you sure thats for wellington? It doesn't say anything about it on the page with the picture.
However most of those Projects on that site appear to be for Wellington ! :cheers:

[property_boy]

Hilton plan to go ahead
17 June 2006
By COLIN PATTERSON

The company promoting a Hilton Hotel development on Wellington's Queens Wharf is to push ahead, despite the death of its main proponent.


George Middleditch, 64, died at his Lowry Bay home on Sunday after a long battle with cancer.

Mr Middleditch was a director of Waterfront Investments, which has been pushing to build a hotel on the outer T of Queens Wharf since 1993.

In 2001 Mr Middleditch submitted his first proposal that included the American-based hotel chain. It lapsed in 2002 because of disputes over the design and size of the development.

However, Mr Middleditch and then-business-partner Miles Nathan submitted a new plan which was approved by Wellington City Council in May 2003. But long negotiations for property rights with Wellington Waterfront meant resource consent applications were not lodged till January 2006.

The proposed hotel would cost $45 million and would have 142 rooms. Hilton Hotels has contracted to manage it for 20 years.

Waterfront Investments' sole director, Auckland-based Kelly McEwan, said the Hilton development would proceed despite Mr Middleditch's death.

Resource consent hearings are scheduled to begin on July 3.

[mtb_nz]

^^

Pity the proposed design of the hilton isn't that nice though

[Mr.KOngo]

Yeah i think they should start fresh with a completely new design

[property_boy]

Bureaucrats boost building boom
18 June 2006

Commercial property is getting a lift as state departments move into state-of-the-art buildings in the heart of the capital. Greg Ninness reports.


Wellington property investors have the government to thank for surging profits as a ballooning bureaucracy pushes demand for floor space to new heights.

In the past year, the public sector has occupied an additional 28,000sq m of floor space in Wellington. Since 2001, the extra space occupied is 100,000sq m, a report by valuer TelferYoung has found.

That has underpinned a boom in Wellington's commercial property market and generated extraordinary profits for investors.

The Property Council says total returns (income plus capital gains) from Wellington CBD office buildings were 21.6% last year and 20.5% in 2004.

There was no debate about the reason, said Rohan Hill, a commercial leasing specialist with Bayleys in Wellington.

"It's been underpinned by growth in the government sector, there's no question about that."

AdvertisementAdvertisementThe government sector now occupies nearly 40% of the office space in Wellington's CBD and the ongoing expansion of the public service is creating continuing demand from government departments looking for more space.

The bureaucracy factor is expected to keep Wellington's commercial property market booming for at least the next two years.

The State Services Commission says the number of bureaucrats employed in the core public service, the 37 ministries and departments under direct ministerial control, grew by 29% between 1999 and last year.

The commission figures relate to the true administrative heart of government activity because they exclude people working for state-owned enterprises such as NZ Post and those working in semi-autonomous arms of government such as the police and armed services.

They would include staff working for the Ministry of Health, but exclude employees of public hospitals. Similarly, they would include staff employed by the Ministry of Education, but exclude those working in schools. As well as having to accommodate the extra staff, government departments have been significantly improving the standard of their premises over the past few years and many now occupy some of the most valuable office buildings in the country.

Hill has observed the march of the mandarins into the CBD over the past two decades.

"Twenty years ago when I first started working in commercial property, you would go into the oldest and hardest-to-lease buildings and you would find a government agency there," said Hill.

"Today you go into the better grade, newer buildings in town and you find a government agency. There's been a total change in the environment that the government provides for its staff."

Last month, Wellington's largest government sector landlord, Capital Properties, which was the subject of a hostile takeover by AMP Property Portfolio last year, posted a net profit of $101.9 million - including an increase of which $84.7m came from a 13.6% rise in the value of its property portfolio. This followed a $79.1m revaluation gain last year.

Last week, AMP NZ Office Trust, which owns some of Wellington's largest government buildings, announced a revaluation gain of $126m on its portfolio.

In a statement to the stock exchange the company said: "ANZO's investment in the Wellington market in recent years had resulted in very strong returns for unitholders. Mayfair House, acquired in September last year for $29.3m, was now valued at $35.3m, representing a total return of 26% for the nine-month period."

As well as the need to accommodate more staff, several other factors are driving government agencies to upgrade their premises.

TelferYoung's research manager Philip Tomlinson said government departments had to compete with the private sector to attract and retain qualified staff. This meant they had to provide high-quality work environments in good locations.

"So there's been a been a significant improvement in the quality of the buildings they are now demanding," Tomlinson said.

Hill said many government departments were also seeking the better operating efficiencies that could be gained from modern buildings with large floor areas. Some were also looking to centralise their operations from several different locations into a single building.

Examples of this included the Ministry of Health, which increased staff by 131% between 1999 and last year. It has leased space at 1-3 The Terrace, part of one of the largest government complexes in Wellington and owned by AMP NZ Office Trust.

The building is also home to the Treasury and has been upgraded by AMP. It has an underground tunnel along which public servants perform the mandarin scuttle as they answer the beck and call of their political masters in the Beehive.

Ministry of Health acting deputy director-general Paul Helm said staff would move into the new space on The Terrace from two other sites in Wellington. The consolidation would "increase communication and integration, create operating flexibility and reduce infrastructure and support costs".

Another government department moving to better premises is the newly created Department of Building and Housing, which leased space in a recently renovated building at 86 Customhouse Quay.

DBH general manager business support Chris Rutledge said the move brought together staff previously housed in three separate and rather tired buildings. It also allowed everyone in the same department to be on the same floor.

Hill said such moves had made government agencies the single biggest group taking up new office space in Wellington.

"They're leaving the older buildings we were familiar with in the 1980s and moving in to A-grade buildings previously occupied by corporates who have consolidated their operations in Australia or Singapore or Hong Kong. So what was private sector space is becoming public sector space.

"Bayleys was recently appointed sole leasing agent for a new 12,000sq m office tower on Waterloo Quay. I've presented that to 44 prospective tenants who require 2000sq m or more. Of those, 16 were from the private sector, the other 28 were all government agencies."

And Tomlinson doesn't see any sign of a slowdown in the cycle.

"I think we're about half way through it," he said. "If you look at the number of government departments in Wellington that are looking for space or changing accommodation, I think the process is ongoing.

"Over the next two to three years there will still be significant expansion. What's happened in the past couple of years will continue at least for the term of this government."

[property_boy]

Also.. spotted in the 'Weekend Dominion Post' (Commercial Property section) a flash new office tower, well 7 levels or so, to be built along Thorndon Quay. Nice design.. if anyones got a scanner be cool to get a render of the building on here
Its designed by Athfield Architects (they haven't yet got a website) with the primary developers being Wellington Tenths Trust and Auckland based Redwood Group.

[dubious]

^^ What a depressing article. Guess who foots the bill for the bureaucrats' flash new premises- that's right, WE DO! :bash:

[Moveax]

http://www.propertylook.com.au/listing/default.asp?lk=60383

Is this the 100m building that was mentioned earlier in this thread, or is this something new?

[Mr.KOngo]

^^ great find! not sure whether that is the 100m building? i counted about 28 stories

[Marky Mark]

Great Find ...... can't wait to see some better Renders , but at least we now know this project is alive and about to start ! :cheers:


Office Floors 4m in height so an easy 100 m :)

[flyin_higher]

A good find indeed!

Here's the initial concept from the website. Im sure it will look better in more developed rederings;
http://www.propertylook.com.au/listings/JLL/JLL_48/300/JLL_48_60383_68607.jpg

[SYDNEY]

How exciting - it looks as if it will be transparent glass (and not reflective) - at least, I hope so. Congrats Welly.

[Moveax]

This is rather interesting, see this post http://skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=4377926&postcount=154

So that building was to be at 70-80 willis street, and this most recent one at 16-42. So we have (apparently) two new buildings around the 100m mark going up on willis st. Interesting, too bad there isn't more information (hopefully it is infact two different buildings and the location hasn't just changed), and hopefully both will be approved and constructed.

I really really wish there were better sources of information on these things.

[mtb_nz]

Hmmmm veeeeery interesting.... looks like 2 new tall ones for Welly now :)

Its amazing how many new buildings are going up in the city... I walked past another new site being prepared for another new building yesterday, so ill have to do a bit of research and find out whats going on :cheers:

[Avatar]

From what I hear there is also a bit of a mini skyline over Lower Hutt way as well which would be good to see :)

I have friends that have just moved from sydney to set-up stores in NZ. They are living in Auckland which they can tolerate but I have to say they cry, scream, whinge and moan everytime they have to go to Wellington. They both called Lower Hutt the biggest hole they'd ever seen, without exception.

Has anyone got some flicks? I wanna see why they despise it so much.

[Stan]

They both called Lower Hutt the biggest hole they'd ever seen, without exception.

That cut me deep. I'm from the Hutt :( [joke, about cuting me deep]

On a serious note, hutt IS a abit of a bogan whole. Lot's of minorities, crime etc etc. Weekly newspaper is full of crime stories every week. Shall I continue?
The only time I spend in the Hutt is walking 10 min to railway station to catch a train to Wellington and back, I only come to the Hutt to sleep lol

Been in Hutt CBD only once in 2 years just to check out new Queensgate Mall. That should tell you something haha.

Once I graduate I'm on the first ticket outa here for a change in scenery..

Main street..
http://www.visithuttcity.co.nz/sights_and_activities/shopping/central_lower_hutt_shopping/images/highstreet2.jpg

But the girls are not to bad, heres my fellow Hutt bogan :)
http://search.tvnz.co.nz/photogallery/images/gallery/nzoom/pgal_top07_teresa.jpg

For your enjoyment..
http://nzmera.orcon.net.nz/pubenemy.jpg

[Stan]

yeah the nightlife in Welly is really good :cheers:

Wellington is a small city but there are many interesting areas and things to discover.

O YES almost forgot, ENIGMA check out Hutt nightlife when you get to Welly hehe :runaway:

Yes there is "nightlife" in the Hutt!! :cheers:
If you come out with missing tooth or 2 I never said anything :)

[Marky Mark]

Wellington is a small city but there are many interesting areas and things to discover.

O YES almost forgot, ENIGMA check out Hutt nightlife when you get to Welly hehe :runaway:

Yes there is "nightlife" in the Hutt!! :cheers:
If you come out with missing tooth or 2 I never said anything :)

I had my Cortina 2000 GT stolen twice from outside Queensgate !

Whats those Private Places Stan ? Don't tell me the Hole in the Wall is still operating ? :)

[Stan]

Just people I know pissing off their neighbors every weekend at apartments and office blocks :)
Twice stolen? :sleepy:

I was abit rough on the Hutt, it's not that bad :)
Can't compare it to Sydney though.

[Avatar]

LOL it sounds like downtown Rooty Hill. :)

[SYDNEY]

Wellington is a small city but there are many interesting areas and things to discover.

O YES almost forgot, ENIGMA check out Hutt nightlife when you get to Welly hehe :runaway:

Yes there is "nightlife" in the Hutt!! :cheers:
If you come out with missing tooth or 2 I never said anything :)

Thanks Stan - you trying to get rid of me ? ;) I have a better chance of being gang raped than being beaten up .. LOL. New Zealand's "rough" areas are nothing like they have back in South Africa - I have seen some things that will make your hair stand up on end .. If I could survive Africa, I will survive The Hutt ;)

7 days to go ... ooooh weeeee. By the way - what is The Wellington Intercontinental like - I believe that it is in the city centre ??

[flyin_higher]

Yes its very nice, I have friends who stayed there and it ranks up there with the Hilton in terms of quality.

[mtb_nz]

Thanks Stan - you trying to get rid of me ? ;) I have a better chance of being gang raped than being beaten up .. LOL. New Zealand's "rough" areas are nothing like they have back in South Africa - I have seen some things that will make your hair stand up on end .. If I could survive Africa, I will survive The Hutt ;)

7 days to go ... ooooh weeeee. By the way - what is The Wellington Intercontinental like - I believe that it is in the city centre ??

yeah the Intercontinental is very nice... and right in the CBD :)

[SYDNEY]

^^^ Thanks boys - I look forward to it ;) stay tuned for loads of photographs.

[flyin_higher]

Trolleys live to trundle another day
The Dominion Post
24 June 2006
By ADAM RAY

Wellington's trolley buses have been saved by a new funding agreement.


Greater Wellington regional council and Land Transport New Zealand have resolved an impasse over a 10-year,

$67 million deal with operator Stagecoach to refurbish the aging fleet of 60 trolley buses and refit their power supply and lines.

The first of the refitted buses should appear on city streets by the end of the year to replace the existing buses, which are between 22 and 24 years old and at the end of their working lives.

The refurbished buses will have:

* 51 seats and three axles, replacing the 40-seat, two-axle trolleys.

* Bigger interiors with comfortable seating and heating.

* Redesigned electricity poles to reduce "dewiring" incidents by 50 per cent.

* Diesel auxiliary power backup to move the bus if the power supply fails.

Dave Jackson, who has driven buses in Wellington for 37 years, said he had a soft spot for the existing trolleys, but was looking forward to driving the refurbished models.

"They'll be faster and more reliable."

Greater Wellington chairman Ian Buchanan said the deal had been agreed to in principle and meant the unique buses would remain a feature of Wellington. "The refurbished buses will be larger, much more comfortable for commuters and much more reliable."

AdvertisementAdvertisementThe funding agreement follows more than six months of intense negotiations. After LTNZ deferred a funding decision for the fourth time last month, Greater Wellington warned that the trolleys could be scrapped.

LTNZ said Greater Wellington had "continually changed" its costings and the deal could give bus operator Stagecoach an effective monopoly.

The Commerce Commission began investigating the 10-year length of the proposed deal last week and it is understood the contract may now be reduced to five years to gain its approval. "We hope any issues the Commerce Commission have will be resolved quickly," Mr Buchanan said.

LTNZ and Greater Wellington have agreed to each pay half of the $54 million needed for operating costs and the $13 million for refitting and running the power supply. The LTNZ board will defer final approval till the commission had completed its investigation.

Stagecoach will pay a further $25 million for Ashburton firm Designline to refurbish the buses over three years.

Stagecoach was still negotiating with electricity network company Vector the final cost of upgrading the power supply.

[Marky Mark]

Look what they have fitted into Wills Street LOL
Due for completion August :)

http://photos.harcourts.co.nz/KL/other/KL5021_2_custom.jpg

[Mr.KOngo]

Nice but............ Only 14 storys? for willis street? I thought that willis street was included in the ''high'' area of wellington, where ''high'' rise buildings were to be built

[Marky Mark]

Nice but............ Only 14 storys? for willis street? I thought that willis street was included in the ''high'' area of wellington, where ''high'' rise buildings were to be built

I reckon its jammed inbetween two other Buildings , they always do the Landscaping thing as though its stand alone LOL ! :)

[flyin_higher]

Ah yes, I walked past that site the other day, its pretty much done, looks very tall and skinny when walking underneath it, its right up on the street frontage and in between some other mid-rise buildings.

[mtb_nz]

Well it is higher than what was there before (a 2 level light green building.. yuck)

But anyway here is a pic of it that i took last week

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/156%20willis/P6110034.jpg

[mtb_nz]

Nice but............ Only 14 storys? for willis street? I thought that willis street was included in the ''high'' area of wellington, where ''high'' rise buildings were to be built

Maybe they will be knocking down a few more of the low-rise buildings in the area and making higher ones one day

[mtb_nz]

Cool site , pitty not more info but ! :)
http://www.archaus.co.nz/home/

http://www.archaus.co.nz/images/archaus/projects/65_conc-I-F.jpg

wicked it looks like this building is going to get built now :)

Here is an article from the local newspaper

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y126/mtb_nz/new/13-level.jpg

[Marky Mark]

Wellington ....... Ms Density !

Hope Enigma is enjoying Himself and Taking Heaps of Photo's :)
Whats the Weather Like ? :cheers:

[mtb_nz]

Wellington ....... Ms Density !

Hope Enigma is enjoying Himself and Taking Heaps of Photo's :)
Whats the Weather Like ? :cheers:

yeah I hope Enigma is enjoying himself and finding out why Wellington is better than Auckland :cheers:

Its been damn cold here today... but hey the sun has been out all day :)

[italy]

It will be great to come live to New Zealand !

[TonyNZ]

It will be great to come live to New Zealand !

I bet your happy about Italy's win 3-0 against Ukraine, where abouts are you going to live in New Zealand?

[SYDNEY]

I have just returned from what must be New Zealand's GLAMOUR CAPITAL - Wellington oozes STYLE and is super FUNKY ! For now I will post the pics and then I will let you know what I think of Welly at a later stage (I am pooped ;) ) Touring around is no easy feat ;) Here are the pics - enjoy !



http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790569.X5RjP8z4.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790571.3CxPZYW2.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790572.fQK3wMrR.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790573.ycokFwAL.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790574.a9aeTJQx.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790575.U1mRaqFo.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790576.Kgjgiidh.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790577.pf788LDq.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790578.n4wxR1kX.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790579.YkmF0bNU.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790581.ZYcfiGsS.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790582.2RMzx6EG.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790583.gc2IJ31h.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790584.YakzqiVj.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790585.IkHgvfM6.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790586.hAuMP94y.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790587.S1xiWmOb.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790588.HNROfviK.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790589.1slBQB7y.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790590.bBdS1jJx.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790592.woO7iWRM.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790928.5oLMnhNO.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790929.k2GLiSbB.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790930.8XBUhRxb.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790931.U5bDvnB4.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790932.A9i5juwK.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790933.G21LWKPE.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790936.D87CzEF1.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790937.9wLVM4ux.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790938.OAbj2m85.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790939.T5qbEoym.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790940.7A71ivY9.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790941.QSW6Qx9c.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790942.iqeBuVJp.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790943.Zqp9pmeK.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790944.A3TLuB4K.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790945.wSjJgAlH.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790946.XoI93Pq9.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790947.9GXplbFS.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790949.pIWk1QCs.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790950.TTSj9TVS.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790951.DpNAKTqS.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790952.qBU7adis.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62790953.9lMOUjA3.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62791153.tgqw95mG.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62791154.7TZsDqC4.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62791155.r87uS1nZ.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62791158.aKr3PTng.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62791159.xooJV4O8.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/g4/07/617107/2/62791160.IR5RqfcF.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62790372.mIYOBKrS.IMG_1770.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62790379.fmzxjAsR.IMG_1794.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62790382.UVElZxdG.IMG_1805.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62790396.4pm5nPwk.IMG_1883.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62790403.Zl6cC4v4.IMG_1919.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62790406.MAQJHVdf.IMG_1928.jpg

[TonyNZ]

:eek2: .....what can i say Enigma just incredible, you have really captured Wellington! cheers mate :cheers:

[SYDNEY]

^^^
Thank you. As you know it was my first visit to Wellington and I didn't expect to find such a fantastic place - the shopping, restaurants/pavement cafes, architecture, city planning and the setting is just unbelieveable. In my opinion, Wellington is extremley underrated. I am originally from Cape Town and now I know what Cape Town would have been like if it wasn't in Africa - an incredible experience -

Here are a few more ...

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62790375.FbsE3UYo.IMG_1780.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62820792.9ikSWA1W.IMG_1947.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62820793.wmwFLKvC.IMG_1952.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62820794.T3KDTIz3.IMG_1953.jpg

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62820795.VZHyzSVo.IMG_1963.jpg

[Marky Mark]

Love the way you Capture both Life , Atmosphere and Architecture !

BTW Hubby looks Cute in his Beanie :cheers:

[mtb_nz]

Hey ENIGMA so glad to see that you enjoyed wellington... did you walk around the waterfront at night?? The wellington waterfront is so nice at night when its all lit up

[SYDNEY]

^^^
Yeah, we walked around the city centre at night - the sculptural lights are awesome and we did walk along the waterfront at night - Auckland can learn so much from Welly.

I was just telling my bf that I am home-sick ;) My heart belongs to Welly

[SYDNEY]

Love the way you Capture both Life , Atmosphere and Architecture !

BTW Hubby looks Cute in his Beanie :cheers:

Thanks Marky - Welly is such a photogenic city. I took the "cheap" camera along with me (thinking that I had packed the expensive one) and then my battery ran flat and I forgot the recharger .. damn ! I am so blonde sometimes.

Hubby is so cute ;) he is my everything and more :)

[SYDNEY]

Here is my email that I sent to my friends and family back in South Africa - enjoy the read:

Hello Bush Babies,

C and I are back from Wellington and I have so much news, where to begin, dear oh dear? Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? C and I caught the Air Bus which runs through the city centre to the airport every 20 minutes – it is extremely convenient and very cheap – we could sit back and relax while the bus driver fights his way through peak hour traffic. Auckland Airport’s Domestic Terminal is an eye-sore of note, thankfully they are in the process of renovating and expanding it - if it is going to be anything like the International Terminal, there is hope for us. I was getting a 70’s eye-ache so we caught the inter-terminal bus and waited at the International Terminal – there are great shops there and the restaurants etc are also far better than at the Domestic Terminal. I don’t do ugly things – sorry !

The flight down to Welly was awesome, we flew over Mount Ruapehu (a volcano) which was covered in snow and the setting sun’s rays lit the mountain up like a beacon – it took my breath away. After a 50- minute flight we arrived in Wellington. We stayed at The Inter-Continental Hotel, smack bang in the city centre and one block away from the waterfront. By now it was night-fall .. we threw our bags down and hit the streets. From the minute we stepped out of the hotel, my heart belonged to Wellington. I can sum it up as follows .. take the best of Cape Town, the best of The Garden Route and throw in San Francisco for good measure – voila ! you have Wellington.

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city, as well as the gastronomic, arts, cultural and style capital of New Zealand. Greater Wellington has a population of 423 000 but it feels like a city of 3 million people (just as busy as Cape Town but not as busy as Auckland). It is the world's most southern capital and the only capital in the "Roaring Forties" latitudes. Wellington has more restaurants, bars and cafes per head than New York City (an interesting fact). The city also gets more sunshine than Auckland, Melbourne and London and less rain than Auckland and Sydney. Welly was voted the 18th hippest city in the world by Conde Naste Traveller magazine and ranks as the 12th best city in the World for quality of life. Needless to say that the setting is spectacular (as you will see in the photographs).

Back to our walk through the city centre – there are tens upon tens of installation art pieces dotted throughout the city’s main streets and public squares. At night, the city is transformed into a stage show of light effects (including lights on the pavements that change colour), cosy bistros that glow warmly and the streets are a-buzz with people of all ages who feel extremely safe, so safe that Wellington has been designated a World Health Organization (WHO) Safe Community - the only capital city of any country to currently be recognised in this way. C and I saw a man sitting in a quiet public square working/playing on his laptop (this must have been 10 o’clock at night). We also saw women walking down alleyways by themselves. It is just mind-boggling, even after being here for nearly a year we are still not used to seeing this kind of behaviour.

The city centre is divided into five quarters – Lambton Quarter which is the business district and high end shopping area – Willis Quarter which is the Civic heart of the city and loads of shopping – Cuba Quarter is where all the young and trendy hang out, it is also where the design and advertising industry can be found – Courtenay Quarter is where the Opera House, Theatres (the theatre where they had the premieres for The Lord of The Rings is here) etc are, this is also where you will find the bars and nightclubs. Courtenay quarter comes alive at night and boy does it pump - Thorndon Quarter is New Zealand’s oldest suburb where most of the original houses still stand, the area is full of antique shops, delis and cute little pavement cafes as well as The Houses of Parliament (aptly named the Beehive) and Embassies. Each Quarter is distinctly different from each other and one can walk from one quarter to the next without using any public transport.

On our first day we woke up real early and had our breakfast at the hotel overlooking the quaint Post Office Square. We took a long walk along the waterfront and finally reached Te Papa Museum – it is MASSIVE ! This is where we went to see The Lord of the Rings exhibit and let me tell you that I have a new-found respect for the movie. The costumes, models, props etc are extremely detailed and so magnificent. The model of Minas Tirith (the city where the final battle took place – the 3rd film) is about 7 metres tall – C and I stood there with our mouths hanging open. I wanted to get a helicopter and air-lift it out of there for my very own private collection. WOW! We spent hours looking at everything, from the concept sketches to the jewellery to the costumes to the models to the props … They had all the main actors costumes there as swell as their weapons, jewellery – absolutely everything ! You could also buy reproductions.

After touring the rest of the museum, we hit the city streets and tried some of the pavement cafes (Wellington is famous for its restaurants and pavement cafes) which are extremely European, cosy and the decor is out of this world - imagine pressed ceilings with crystal chandeliers, thonet chairs and cakes that will make you cry. Wellington’s shops, restaurants and cafes $hit all over Auckland’s cafes and shops. We discovered a heritage building that used to be the old bank but is has been converted into an arcade full of classy shops and restaurants – I can’t begin to describe this to you – boy oh boy – I have taken some pics for you but they don’t do the place any justice – in fact none of the photos will, it has to be seen. One of the highlights of the trip was a ride up the cable car but it isn’t like anything that you imagine it to be .. it looks like a San Francisco tram car but it is on rails that departs from the city centre and climbs up the hill (over 600 metres) to The Botanical Gardens. Along the way it stops to drop-off passengers who live in the suburbs – it is a tourist attraction plus a form of public transport.

By that afternoon we jumped into the car and headed out to The Wairarapa Region (an area of immense beauty where scenes like Rivendell were filmed) – it is an area famous for its wine estates and snow-capped mountains. Heading out of Wellington to The Wairarapa Region, the freeway hugs the coastline on one side and mountains rise skywards on the other-side (just like the drive between Camp’s Bay and Hout Bay). Then you enter a valley (The Hutt Valley) which has mountains on both sides, in-between is a massive sprawl of suburbs, a river and parks teeming with forests. The mist had started rolling in from the harbour and it looked so amazing .. mist dancing with the trees while mountains look down from their high, ring side seats. We went through incredible mountain passes and ended up in a lovely little village called Greytown (we were told that it is also known as gay-town). It is very quaint (very much like Franschoek or Montagu). Heading back to Wellington we took another road that follows the coast and I saw a sight that I won’t forget in a long time but first I will explain the topography of Wellington …

Unlike Cape Town where only 15% of the city is mountains, 85% of Wellington is mountains – suburbs cover the mountains with forested valleys between them, hundreds of bays and islands dotting the coast. Now back to what I saw – we came through the Northern Western suburbs of Wellington and passed through a valley, just as we came around the corner of this high mountain we overlooked the entire Wellington Bay to our left and to the right was The City Skyline .. a sea-hugging mist covered the sea and all we could see was mountains towering above the mist, a bit of sea, the skyline and us looking down onto the fog (like being above the clouds) – WOW ! I can’t describe it as much as I would like to but it was a sight that I won’t forget in a hurry. We drove around the coast through various little sea-side suburbs hugging little bays and then we came to The Cook Straits – the piece of ocean that separates North Island from South Island – and there in the distance we could see the snow covered Alps of South Island.

C and I had a FANTASTIC long weekend. I wanted to take more pics but 1. I forgot my larney Camera and 2. I ran out of battery power – damn !! Now we have a reason to go back to Wellington. Needless to say that C and I will move to Welly tomorrow but for one thing – the gay nightlife – it is AWFUL !!! We went out on Friday night and by 2 in the morning there was only a handful of bum boys in a huge cavern-like disco. It reminded me of a barn dance – heee haaaa and we were out of there. If the gay nightlife improves dramatically, we will be there in an instant. Here’s the link for the photographs –

Syd’s Pics: http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/wellington

Craigy’s Pics: http://www.pbase.com/craigsyd/wellington

[Davee]

Wonderful, wonderful Wellington. So glad you have fallen for it!!

[Stan]

Glad that you enjoyed Wellington as well.

[Mr.KOngo]

Those are some fantasticulous shots ENIGMA! nice atmosphere

[flyin_higher]

Good to hear that you had a good time in Welly Enigma! Shame about your nite out, was that Pound you were referring to lol?

[SYDNEY]

Good to hear that you had a good time in Welly Enigma! Shame about your nite out, was that Pound you were referring to lol?

Thanks flyin - it was Pound - a pound of $hit ;) I would love to open a gay bar/club in Welly (if only I had the money)

Have any of you ever come across this monkey - URBANDECO - follow the link -

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=9123936#post9123936

[SYDNEY]

Thanks for all the replies boys.

[flyin_higher]

Ah yep, that place certainly has its bad nites, but can also pull some pretty good ones as well. You should totally try and open a new place, it could have a real 'urban city' theme or something cool like that. :cheers:

Thanks flyin - it was Pound - a pound of $hit ;) I would love to open a gay bar/club in Welly (if only I had the money)

[SYDNEY]

Ah yep, that place certainly has its bad nites, but can also pull some pretty good ones as well. You should totally try and open a new place, it could have a real 'urban city' theme or something cool like that. :cheers:

I was just chatting to a friend of mine who is trying to get a transfer from Auckland to Wellington and he said the same thing. He is getting a huge pay-out soon therefore he is quite keen to look at it. The problem with Pound is that it is too big and the bar area is separated from the dance floor area .. it should be half the size and open up ... There is so much that I would like to do to the place in order to give it the same sense of style that is reflected in Wellington.

[SYDNEY]

QUESTIONS for Wellingtonians:

I am really missing Wellington ... I have the following questions ...

1. The area where Century City is being built consists of little "wharehouses", are there plans to convert the area into a mixed-use precinct ? I love what they have done with the FORD workshops (keeping the old facades and building high tech apartments behind it)

2. The electrical wires in Throndon's main street, are there any plans to put them underground ?

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62820794.T3KDTIz3.IMG_1953.jpg

3. We drove through a very old area on our way to the Mount Victoria lookout and I noticed that there are also loads of electrical wires - any plans for these to be placed underground ?

4. Which suburbs are very upmarket ?

[Kane007]

QUESTIONS for Wellingtonians:


2. The electrical wires in Throndon's main street, are there any plans to put them underground ?

3. We drove through a very old area on our way to the Mount Victoria lookout and I noticed that there are also loads of electrical wires - any plans for these to be placed underground ?


And what, have an earthquake break all the undergrounded cables. No, its a lot easier after the big one to just erect more power poles to string the cables along. Rebuilding Te Papa, hmmm, ???, no worries, they'll just get the taxpayers to pay for it again. Next time choosing another reclamed land on top of a different faultline. :bash:

[SYDNEY]

And what, have an earthquake break all the undergrounded cables. No, its a lot easier after the big one to just erect more power poles to string the cables along. Rebuilding Te Papa, hmmm, ???, no worries, they'll just get the taxpayers to pay for it again. Next time choosing another reclamed land on top of a different faultline. :bash:

Why are you so angry today - that was quite a rant :)

[Kane007]

Not angry, nor a rant, maybe my attempt at "witt" failed misserably - I knew I wouldn't do well in comedy when I go a K in school C comedy appreatiation. But, like Jim Carey, I sometimes don't know when to quit.
:) - probably should have used this emicon?

[SYDNEY]

Not angry, nor a rant, maybe my attempt at "witt" failed misserably - I knew I wouldn't do well in comedy when I go a K in school C comedy appreatiation. But, like Jim Carey, I sometimes don't know when to quit.
:) - probably should have used this emicon?

Ok, I must admit that you failed - miserably ;) but don't stop trying .. I was just a little taken aback.

[Kane007]

Wellington only has to worry about earthquakes and Tawa (see Lynn of...)
Auckland should be worried about volcanoes, Bishop Tamaki, Otara/Mangere and politicians.
Christchurch, bugger, their up shit creek. Earthquakes, volcanoes (banks peninsula), Tsunami's, New Brighton, skinheads, snow, drought, smog, and politicians!

p.s. "Whats Brian Tamaki's worse nightmare. People thinking for THEMSELVES!"

[NZGSR]

Wellington only has to worry about earthquakes and Tawa (see Lynn of...)
Auckland should be worried about volcanoes, Bishop Tamaki, Otara/Mangere and politicians.
Christchurch, bugger, their up shit creek. Earthquakes, volcanoes (banks peninsula), Tsunami's, New Brighton, skinheads, snow, drought, smog, and politicians!

p.s. "Whats Brian Tamaki's worse nightmare. People thinking for THEMSELVES!"

Dont forget Christchurch- Fires from drought :cheers: I wouldnt class volcanoes a problem in christchurch BP has blown itself to bits! Plus snow nothing wrong with that so thats a plus not a negative the rest is right thoe lol

[flyin_higher]

And what, have an earthquake break all the undergrounded cables. No, its a lot easier after the big one to just erect more power poles to string the cables along. Rebuilding Te Papa, hmmm, ???, no worries, they'll just get the taxpayers to pay for it again. Next time choosing another reclamed land on top of a different faultline. :bash:
Actually they built Te Papa to be 99% earthquake proof, with those base isolators and cement-ified soil they built on.

[dubious]

Auckland should be worried about volcanoes, Bishop Tamaki, Otara/Mangere and politicians.

:rofl: how accurate!
The politicians point is a good one. I'm all for Auckland breaking away from Wellington's control in one way or another. It should be made a self-governing entity of NZ, like Hong Kong with China, or Seoul in Korea.

That way revenue collected in Auckland could be spent entirely in Auckland, rather than being used to prop up the rest of the country while we get poor value for money. We would also avoid the current situation with the likes of Wellingtonians deciding what's best for us from 650km away. :)

[flyin_higher]

^^Agreed :cheers: There has to be a better arragement than the one we have now. They say 'if it ain't broken don't fix it' well in this case its broken, so lets do something about it and fix it- give Auckland, and the other city regions as well, greater say about city governance and revenue control.

[Kane007]

Actually they built Te Papa to be 99% earthquake proof, with those base isolators and cement-ified soil they built on.

Yes thats cool I know, but what if the reclamned land its built on does a Napier and heads south?

[flyin_higher]

'Does a Napier'? But the land rose in the 1931 Earthquake! lol

[Kane007]

You know I didn't actually think about it sinking, rather moving laterally. But that would really be a bugger wouldn't it?

[flyin_higher]

Yea it would lol. Napier only rose up nealry 2 metres in '31; it didn't move laterally at all. But Wellington would be a different story because its on a transverse faultline (one that moves sideways), so its entirely plausible!

[NZGSR]

:rofl: how accurate!
The politicians point is a good one. I'm all for Auckland breaking away from Wellington's control in one way or another. It should be made a self-governing entity of NZ, like Hong Kong with China, or Seoul in Korea.

That way revenue collected in Auckland could be spent entirely in Auckland, rather than being used to prop up the rest of the country while we get poor value for money. We would also avoid the current situation with the likes of Wellingtonians deciding what's best for us from 650km away. :)

I think we have more chance of us southerners breaking away than Auckland atleast we are on a different island:) Cutting the cable wouldnt be a bad thing for the South island money wise imagine how much we could charge you guys for power plus all this oil they are finding down here we could have a very nice bank statement.

[Capt P]

:rofl: how accurate!
The politicians point is a good one. I'm all for Auckland breaking away from Wellington's control in one way or another. It should be made a self-governing entity of NZ, like Hong Kong with China, or Seoul in Korea.

That way revenue collected in Auckland could be spent entirely in Auckland, rather than being used to prop up the rest of the country while we get poor value for money. We would also avoid the current situation with the likes of Wellingtonians deciding what's best for us from 650km away. :)

Thats life - Live with it! it is never going to change! Cities (Auckland is not the only place!!!) are always going to have to financially support rural areas, and so they should, without the rural areas we wouldn't be the country we are. Aucklanders are way to self centred! Auckland would be nothing on its own!

[Kane007]

That no income tax comment just reminded me of the scene from Armageddon when those rock jockies were negotiating their price!

[Moveax]

:rofl: how accurate!
The politicians point is a good one. I'm all for Auckland breaking away from Wellington's control in one way or another. It should be made a self-governing entity of NZ, like Hong Kong with China, or Seoul in Korea.

That way revenue collected in Auckland could be spent entirely in Auckland, rather than being used to prop up the rest of the country while we get poor value for money. We would also avoid the current situation with the likes of Wellingtonians deciding what's best for us from 650km away. :)

It is hardly wellingtonians deciding whats best for you, helen clark is from the waikato. Just because parliament is in wellington does not mean that politicians are from here.

[property_boy]

:rofl: how accurate!
The politicians point is a good one. I'm all for Auckland breaking away from Wellington's control in one way or another. It should be made a self-governing entity of NZ, like Hong Kong with China, or Seoul in Korea.

That way revenue collected in Auckland could be spent entirely in Auckland, rather than being used to prop up the rest of the country while we get poor value for money. We would also avoid the current situation with the likes of Wellingtonians deciding what's best for us from 650km away. :)

A different approach for sure.. .but although Auckland is a fast growing city and does dominate as the largest urban area in the country. You should think that there are some near 3 million other New Zealanders spread throughout the country, Aucklands economy is strongly based on finance and the service industry which is supported by the wider New Zealand population.. what about all the massive distriubtion centres and head offices, I'd say more than half their workload would be for areas outside Auckland. All the call centres (I unfourtunately work in one while studying).. every day I answer calls with a good majority outside of the city. So yeah my view is Auckland wouldn't be what it is without the population mass to support it from no only within the city but all the other centres in New Zealand.
Why shouldn't the government have control.. the whole country is pretty much a small state anyway (less than Victoria and NSW).

[property_boy]

It is hardly wellingtonians deciding whats best for you, helen clark is from the waikato. Just because parliament is in wellington does not mean that politicians are from here.

Good point, the Prime Minister is the MP for Mt Albert in Auckland and has her main residence here too.
Yeah some 650km away but only 45 minutes on the plane, and I'm sure not all the deal making is done in Wellington given the near half hourly flights running between the two cities.

[SYDNEY]

Now that you have all spoken over me, I shall ask this again and I shall only ask this once ;)


QUESTIONS for Wellingtonians:

I have the following questions ...

1. The area where Century City is being built consists of little "wharehouses", are there plans to convert the area into a mixed-use precinct ? I love what they have done with the FORD workshops (keeping the old facades and building high tech apartments behind it)

2. The electrical wires in Throndon's main street, are there any plans to put them underground ?

http://i.pbase.com/o4/37/50837/1/62820794.T3KDTIz3.IMG_1953.jpg

3. We drove through a very old area on our way to the Mount Victoria lookout and I noticed that there are also loads of electrical wires - any plans for these to be placed underground ?

4. Which suburbs are very upmarket ?

[Moveax]

1: I don't know what or where that is.
2 and 3: I have no idea, but I doubt it. Mainly because thats for the power companies to deal with and not up to wellington I think and as the saying goes if it aint broke don't fix it. Some people might even prefer it left the way it is, because thats how it always was. Only newer areas or areas that have undergone redevelopment seem to have underground powerlines.
4: All the very expensive places seem to be in oriental bay, makes sense you're real close to the city. Supermarket real close, entertainment close, work places close (considering so many people work in the cbd). Everythings within walking distance. Also great views of the harbour, the city, and the rimutaka/tararua ranges. And the beach of course.

[SYDNEY]

^^^ ok - thanks ;) Speaking of supermarkets, I loved the New World Metro in the city centre - what a shop !!

[Mr.KOngo]

^^^ ok - thanks ;) Speaking of supermarkets, I loved the New World Metro in the city centre - what a shop !!

What an expensive shop more like it

[SYDNEY]

What an expensive shop more like it

Oh - my bf always pays so it doesn't concern me ;)