DOME CONCEPT FOR BUILDING

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30405, 2 April 1964, Page 1

DOME CONCEPT FOR BUILDING

Govt. To Go Ahead With Plans

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, April 1.

The striking circular design for the new parliamentary building envisaged by the eminent British architect Sir Basil Spence will be developed to the stage of sketch plans.

This was decided this aftemon by the special Parliamentary committee on the completion of Parliament Buildings, after final discussions with Sir Basil Spence and the Government architect (Mr F. G. F. Sheppard).

The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) announced at a press conference after the meeting that the committee had been impressed by the initial concept presented by Sir Basil Spence. As a result of today’s discussions the Government had decided to investigate in further detail his concept of the proposed new building to replace the 93-year-old wooden building still in use. Initial Idea “The sketches and the model now displayed are an initial idea which needs to be studied and developed in detail over some months,” Mr Holyoake said. The committee, set up early last year, comprises the Prime Minister as chairman, the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr Marshall), the Minister of Finance (Mr Lake), the Minister of Works (Mr Allen), the Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nordmeyer), and the Speaker (Mr Algie). It has been assisted by departmental heads, the Government Architect, and other senior officers associated with the studies and investigational work.

Mr Marshall, who is in hospital in Teheran, and Mr Nordmeyer, who was in the South Island, were not present.

However, Mr Holyoake said he had conferred by telephone today with Mr Nordmeyer, who said he warmly concurred in the decision taken and the statement to be made. “Stimulating Vision”

“Sir Basil Spence has given us a stimulating vision of the sort of building we might have which would grace its setting and surroundings, harmonise with other buildings in the area, and be functionally efficient,” Mr Holyoake said. “The committee believes that his initial concept holds the promise of a building which could become a source of national pride and international interest.

“Today’s decision means that the concept can now be developed by Mr Sheppard, in consultation with Sir Basil Spence, to the stage of sketch plans. “Sir Basil Spence has agreed to make his advice available to the Government Architect in a consultative capacity. “After preparation of the sketch plans, which will take some months, will come the critical analysis of the final

design and its feasibility on the basis of which a decision might then be taken to proceed with the project.” Sir Basil Spence had said the possibilities before the committee were these:—

(1) To demolish both buildings and make a fresh start. (2) To complete the existing main building in accordance with the original plans prepared in 1911.

(3) To retain the existing main building and construct a new building in place of the old wooden one. Part Of History

He advised the committee to accept the last possibility. Sir Basil Spence described the present main building as a handsome one which should have many years of useful life ahead of it. As the country’s legislative centre it was part of our history and traditions. He said it was a fine example of the architecture of an earlier era that would never be reproduced. Mr Holyoake said the committee had been assured that there was nothing in the proposed design which presented any construction difficulties, or which would add unduly to the cost of a building of the character and importance required.