STATE BUILDINGS

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 252, 22 July 1935, Page 8

STATE BUILDINGS

Construction In Wellington

VALUE EXCEEDS £1,000,000

Plans For Eight-story

Structure

There still is a great deal of State building construction in hand or within close sight in Wellington. It is estimated officially that the buildings now in progress and planned exceed well over £1,000,000 in value. While one of several main buildings for the Government is almost completed, this being the Dominion Museum and Art Gallery, two others —the new railway station and the Government Life Insurance building—-will continue to provide considerable employment for some time. Then plans are well advanced for the construction of an eight-story block of Government offices at the corner of Stout and Maginnity Streets, in Wellington. No Delay in Preparation.

The Minister of Public Works, Hon. J. Bitcheuer, informed “The Dominion” that there would be no delay about golug on with the projected block of departmental offices. The Public Works Department bad called tenders for the purchase and removal of the old iron and timber buildings now on the halfacre site which is well situated for Government offices. The Minister added that as soon as these buildings had been dismantled and cleared away it was the intention of the department, as already approved by the Government, to invito tenders for putting in substantial foundations for the proposed modern building which would conform to the best scientific methods of construction as regards stability and safety. The foundational work would be fairly extensive aud should provide employment for a number of men for several months. By that time all the plans for the fine superstructure would be completed and ready for the builders. By adopting this policy, continued Mr. Bitchener, the work of preparation would be continuous. Indeed, it might be said that the whole enterprise was almost already in hand. Fate of the “Tomato House.” In reply to a question about the ultimate fate of the present so-called "tomato house”—which houses the Income Tax Department and the Dental Clinic, and incidentally defaces the grounds of the main Government Building—the Minister said that because of congestion in existing offices it would not be practicable to demolish the temporary and admittedly improvised “sheds” until the projected structure on the corner of Stout Street was ready for occupation. The present plan was to convert the cluttered site of the “tomato house” into lawns and gardens, which would restore to the grounds their former spaciousness and attractiveness. There was no necessity to raise another building within the grounds, as the State possessed other sites which, if built upon, in time would add to the amenities of the capital city. Parliament Buildings. And what about the reconstruction of the southern wing of Parliament House? Everyone admits that this part of the old building fronting Bowen Street has degenerated to a dilapidatedlooking annexe, with, at one end, an imposing turret, serving as a winter dovecot for pariah pigeons, and, at the other end, a one-story ramification with a cookhouse aud other odd places. The Minister agreed that the building was in need of remedial attention, but it was doubtful whether it was worth renovation, or even painting. It would have to come down sooner or later. There was practically no prospect at all, however, of a rebuilding programme this year. Naturally, he would like to see the original plan completed, but in view of the present heavy commitments for State building construction in Wellington there was little or no chance of anything being done for some time.

It is understood that it. would cost sonic £300,000 or £lOO.OOO to erect a new wing, in accordance with a plan which has been in existence for at least 15 years. There is a Parliamentary story, perhaps a legend, that tlie plan was lost for a while, but ultimately was found in the drawer of a Government. Whip’s table!