The demolition of the Gordon Wilson Flats will begin later this month, expected to be the end of a long-running saga over the derelict “eyesore” ex-public housing units.
Victoria University today confirmed a contractor was about to be appointed, with work anticipated to begin this month.
Chief operating officer Tina Wakefield said: “There is significant work ahead to ensure that the demolition will be carried out with the utmost care, beginning with site preparation work in the coming weeks.
“We recognise and understand that demolition work may be disruptive for our neighbours, and we are fully committed to keeping them informed and minimising that impact.”
Vice-chancellor Nic Smith said the university had carefully explored all options and that a major factor in the decision is the ongoing risk the flats present to the community.
“The buildings are earthquake-prone and dangerous. They have deteriorated over the last decade and present a serious risk to our community.
“We’ve considered all options and unfortunately, restoration is not financially viable. The structures suffer from extensive rot, asbestos, seismic issues, and other critical problems that make restoration too costly.”
Smith said that while the decision will disappoint some, it also provides much-needed certainty to the community.
“I am heartened by the interest that has been shown in how we provide for future students in Wellington.
“We look forward to working with our community on future plans which will provide the next generations with an outstanding student accommodation and learning experience right next to our Kelburn campus.”
The flats have been subject to a long-running process over their former heritage listing, which prevented their demolition for years.
The Gordon Wilson Flats were used as social housing until 2012, when an engineer’s report deemed them unsafe. They have been left vacant since.
In June, RMA Reform and Housing Minister Chris Bishop said the building has become “more dangerous and more of an eyesore every year” since it has sat empty.
“There has been attempt after attempt to deal with the Gordon Wilson Flats since 2012, all of which have failed.
“The flats sit as an ugly scar on the Wellington skyline, emblematic of a failed planning system that prioritises preservation of heritage, no matter the economic cost.”
The protected heritage status was subsequently scrapped through an amendment to the Resource Management Act (RMA).
