Tender For First Stage Of ‘Beehive’

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32050, 26 July 1969, Page 46

Tender For First Stage Of ‘Beehive’

(Netb Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 25. Tenders for the first stage of the Parliamentary “beehive” building have been called; and work in clearing away the old wooden building now occupying the site is expected to begin in November.

The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) said today that the contract for the new building would be let in two stages. Stage I would cover the demolition of the front of the 98-year-oid wooden building, formerly Government House, and now containing Ministerial suites and Bellamy’s. Included in Stage I devel- . opment will be the excavation of the site and the construc- ’ tion of the sub-basement and ” basement of the new building up to ground-floor level. Mr Holyoake said that in addition an underground car park would be built in front of Parliament House and a terrace would be laid over the car park. Civil Defence The sub-basement of the new building would be equipped as a civil defence headquarters and would be ready ' for use on completion of the Stage I contract in 1971. Stage II of the contract, providing for the completion of the 11-storey building, would be let as soon as Stage I was finished.

The estimated date for opening the “Beehive” was 1974.

Temporary bar and dining facilities will be provided at the rear of the Parliamentary property until new catering premises are available in the “Beehive.” Debating Chamber In addition, the “Beehive” will house all the offices of the Ministers of the Crown.

But the debating chamber, backbenchers’ offices and the Legislative Department staff will remain in the present building. The chamber itself will have to be altered this summer to allow for the four additional members who will be elected at the coming General Election.

But there are no published plans to replace it permanently.