Willis Bond and Co has been granted a resource consent to redevelop of the Overseas Passenger Terminal. It plans to spend over $100 million on a makeover that will revitalise the area, providing a range of new indoor and outdoor areas, including apartments, shops and cafes on the waterfront.

Mark McGuinness, Managing Director of Willis Bond & Co, said: “We are delighted that the resource consent has been granted to transform this site and capital landmark into a vibrant harbourside location.

“We believe the commissioners considered all the environmental issues, following an extensive hearing process with a total of 182 submissions, and recognised the substantial community benefits of the project.  The vast majority of Wellingtonians support the re-development,  and this consent is a great outcome for the city, securing the future of this landmark building, which if left would be beyond repair.

“Our next steps are finalising the detailed drawings, commence marketing and then, as soon as possible, undertake work on the ailing wharf structure itself to bring it up to a standard that is acceptable under the Building Act 2004.”

Ian Pike, Chief Executive of Wellington Waterfront Limited said: “Wellington Waterfront is delighted with this outcome and we look forward to working with the developer to see the project through to fruition.”

Under the Willis Bond plan Clyde Quay wharf will be repaired and strengthened, and the interior of the building will be rebuilt. However, the upgrade will retain the maritime-themed design of the building, with its hull-shaped roof and tall spire.

“The focus of the redevelopment has been to create a contemporary and adaptable architectural framework that respects the building’s former use as a passenger terminal, while at the same time providing apartments on the upper levels.

“The Athfield Architects designed building will revitalise this area, providing a range of indoor and outdoor areas including, an art gallery (complete with an artist in residence), marine businesses, restaurants and cafes, with 70 apartments on the upper levels. It will become a great destination for those who like to walk along Wellington’s waterfront,” Mark McGuinness said.

Athfield Architects and Willis Bond are no strangers to the sympathetic refurbishment and redevelopment of significant buildings in Wellington. They have partnered before to deliver the redevelopment of the Odlins Building, the Free Ambulance Building and the Brewery on the waterfront. They have also refurbished four heritage buildings, in Willis Street and Victoria Streets, as part of the Chews Lane development.

Architect, Ian Athfield, says “the plan draws inspiration from the existing building, re-using or replicating some elements, and building on nautical imagery in an even more explicit manner. It will also have landmark qualities as strong as the present building.

“The site has vast value to the city, but it is based much more on how it relates to the city than its heritage,” he said.

Marketing will commence later this year.