Kinsman has started work on non-structural parts of the building – demolishing a 1960s era verandah and removing rot from the inside. “It’s a hell of a job . I’ve removed some of the stuff that’s not part of the structure, and opened up some areas so the engineers can get in and have a look.” He said the building was bought from the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust, which had first right of refusal as part of its treaty settlement, but would not say how much for. The earthquake strengthening and renovation work would cost between $800,000 and $1 million.
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News from Historic Places Wellington
Time is running out for the only remaining US Marines Hall, at Titahi Bay in Porirua, dating from WWII. Felicity Wong, Chair of Historic Places Wellington, says that at a resource consent hearing in Porirua in December, Historic Places Wellington opposed a demolition application of this community hall.
“Recent changes in Porirua’s new District Plan may weaken the protection of heritage buildings by introducing cost as a more relevant consideration in heritage protection decisions. The hearings decision is expected in mid-February,” says Felicity.
“While Porirua City did not dispute the high heritage value of the building, its CEO Wendy Walker argued at the hearing that Porirua does not consider it an affordable priority to renovate this wooden building. Porirua, in fact has very few heritage buildings listed for protection under its District Plan.”