Public Trust Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Public Trust Office Building |
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The building in 2014
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Edwardian Baroque |
| Location | 41°16′52″S 174°46′35″E / 41.28103°S 174.77636°E |
| Address | 131-135 Lambton Quay and Stout Street |
| Town or city | Wellington |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Current tenants | Ministry for Culture and Heritage |
| Named for | New Zealand Public Trust |
| Groundbreaking | 1905 |
| Topped-out | 1908 |
| Completed | 1909 |
| Opened | 9 June 1909 |
| Renovated | 2014-2015 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | John Campbell |
| Designated: | 26 November 1981 |
| Reference #: | 224 |
The Public Trust Office Building is an office building in central Wellington, New Zealand. It was finished in 1908. This building is special because it is the only surviving building made from a unique New Zealand granite, found in Tonga Bay. It is also thought to be New Zealand's very first office building with a strong steel frame.
Contents
A Look Back at the Public Trust Building
How the Building Was Designed and Built
The idea for the Public Trust Building started way back in 1894. That's when the Government Architect, John Campbell, was asked to begin drawing up the plans.
The building officially opened much later, on 9 June 1909. The Prime Minister at the time, Sir Joseph Ward, was there to open it. The Minister in charge of the Public Trust, Āpirana Ngata, invited many important people from Parliament and Wellington to the opening. They had a special lunch, a concert, and a dance in the evening.
Who Used the Building?
The Public Trust organisation used the building from 1909 until 1982. After that, they moved to a building right next door.
From 1985 to 2013, a group called Creative New Zealand used most of the building. They help support arts and culture in New Zealand.
In 1975, people worked together to save the building from being knocked down. Their efforts were successful!
When the Building Was Empty and Fixed Up
After the 2013 Seddon earthquake, people worried about the building's future again. Most of the people working there had to leave because of the earthquake. Creative New Zealand, who had been there since 1985, also moved out.
The owners decided to sell the building. They wanted someone who could make it stronger and safer.
In 2013, a Wellington City councillor named Andy Foster said the Public Trust building was one of the most important old buildings to save.
Maurice Clark bought the building when it was mostly empty. He was called a "hero" for taking on such a big project. He planned to make this important old building earthquake-safe.
From 2014 to 2015, the building was fixed up and made much stronger. Maurice Clark's company, McKee Fehl, did the work. The architects Warren & Mahoney also helped with the design. These two companies also worked together on another old building nearby, Defence House.
In May 2016, the building's restoration won two awards. These were for 'Heritage' (meaning old buildings) and 'Interior Architecture' (how the inside looks).
The Building Today
After being made stronger, the building officially reopened on 27 October 2015. The Ministry for Culture and Heritage now uses most of the building. This ministry looks after New Zealand's culture and history.
There were plans for a Jamie Oliver restaurant in the big room downstairs, but that didn't happen. Instead, in October 2019, the large downstairs room opened as an event space. It's called the Public Trust Hall and can hold up to 300 guests for events.
Why This Building Is Important
The Public Trust Building is officially listed as a Category 1 historic building by Heritage New Zealand. This means it's very important to New Zealand's history and culture.
When it was first listed, people said:
This building is a great example of a public and business building from the Edwardian period. Its location on a corner and its strong mix of building styles make it a wonderful part of the city. John Campbell, the Chief Government Architect, designed this building, which was built in 1908. Historically, the building is important because it was used by the Public Trust Office. When this office started in 1872, it was the first of its kind in the world.
The Wellington Architecture Centre also described the building, saying:
it might have the most detailed front of any building in the capital – maybe even the whole country. It is definitely Government Architect John Campbell’s best work, apart from his design for Parliament House. It is, truly, a crowning glory for our nation.
