Hutt Civic Centre- Town Hall and Clock Tower (Source HPW Newsletter)

"We have been aware that the Hutt City Council were considering options for the buildings because of earthquake strengthening requirements but it was nevertheless a shock to learn of the Council’s decision taken soon after the elections to demolish the Town Hall and Horticultural Hall and replace these important architectural statements with a modern building."

Hutt Civic Centre Modern Movement Buildings

HPW Members at Hutt Civic Centre (Source HPW Newsletter)

Conservation architect Ian Bowman led a walk and talk around this group of buildings for HPW members on 6 October. Ian has made a study of Modern Movement buildings in Lower Hutt for the City Council, and has produced a booklet on the best 20 of these. (Copies are available from the library). Ian talked about St James Church, the Memorial Library, including the Little Theatre, the Town Hall and Administration Block and the Horticultural Hall, all designed using the Modern Movement principles, although Stripped Classical Art Deco influences are visible.

These are a unique set of buildings in New Zealand set within their own gardens and have been recognised by classification as an Historic Area on the HPT Register. (See Register entry 7520 for more information.)

Ian has studied these buildings in depth and his talk was most informative and interesting. All those on the walk thoroughly enjoyed it.

We have been aware that the Hutt City Council were considering options for the buildings because of earthquake strengthening requirements but it was nevertheless a shock to learn of the Council’s decision taken soon after the elections to demolish the Town Hall and Horticultural Hall and replace these important architectural statements with a modern building. This is possible as there is no legal protection for the buildings in the Council Plan despite the fact they are recognised both nationally and internationally as being significant. We are working with HPT to see what can be done in this difficult situation.

This article appeared in the Historic Places Wellington Newsletter 6.-
Historic Places Wellington Newsletter Number 6