The Wellington Trades Hall opened in 1929 as a hub for union activity in the capital. The home of the local branch of the Federation of Labour, which later merged into the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, the hall served as a vital organising space for various campaigns, and was also the target of an unsolved 1984 bombing that killed unionist Ernie Abbott. Recognised for its social significance, the building has recently undergone earthquake strengthening, partially funded by the city council’s Built Heritage Incentive Fund, with plans for a museum of trade union history in the works.
“Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga commends the restoration work undertaken by Wellington Trades Hall Incorporated and is delighted to recognise the building’s heritage values through listing” says Heritage’s Director for the Central Region Dr Jamie Jacobs.
The second building to receive a Category 1 designation is the Wellington Central Library, which opened in 1991 to critical acclaim. Designed by the late Sir Ian Athfield of Athfield Architects, the library has since won major awards for its postmodern architectural style, which incorporates elements of Māori design through its nīkau palm columns.
“Wellington Central Library is the youngest building on the List,” says Dr Jacobs. “We are excited to add diversity to our List by including this exceptional postmodern building. We look forward to working with the Wellington City Council to have it strengthened and reopened to the community.”
Finally, the McLean Flats and Gordon Wilson Flats, constructed during the mid-20th century to provide state housing, have also made the list for their Modernist style, which became a hallmark of public architecture at the time. Recognised for their optimistic approach to improving society through architecture, the buildings have been awarded Category 1 status, with the Gordon Wilson Flats the country’s only surviving example of high-rise state housing from the 1950s.
“This listing is further recognition for the Gordon Wilson Flats but doesn’t increase the protections that are already in place through the Wellington City District Plan,” says Dr Jacobs. “Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga would like to see protections extended to the McLean Flats as well, and looks forward to continuing to work with Victoria University of Wellington as they develop a gateway to their Kelburn Campus on this site.”
