A new look for the old Wellington band rotunda - and a new backer

Monday, 16 June 2025

An artist's impression of the Oriental Bay band rotunda after work is completed in 2027.

Resource consent is being submitted today to restore the historic and well-loved band rotunda in Oriental Bay, which has a new name and a new backer ‒ tech entrepreneur Rod Drury.

Developer Watson Group reached an agreement with the Wellington City Council to start quake strengthening and restoring the building, which is expected to reopen in 2027 to coincide with its 90th birthday.

The decision was confirmed by the council in December.

The front view of the new Wellington Pavilion, which will be created from the historic band rotunda.

New architects’ renderings show a cleaner, more modern building which will be called the Wellington Pavilion.

Watson Group managing director David Loveridge said they were bringing back hot pools, a massage and spa on the lower level, and a cafe and restaurant and public viewing for the top.

He said the top would remain open to the public and they wanted as many people to use it as possible.

It will also include a rooftop bar, promenade on the roof and a new street front food kiosk with public seating.

Drury, whose contribution is helping bring the vision to life, said: “It’s the kind of development that brings people together and gives the community something to be proud of.

The former band rotunda on Oriental Bay closed in 2012, and in the past has housed Fisherman's Table and the Bluewater Bar and Grill restaurants.

“Wellingtonians will be able to enjoy a space that feels both uniquely local and inspired by the best waterfront experiences around the world.”

He said the redevelopment was a once in a generation opportunity to bring it back to life, not just as a beautiful heritage building but as a place for Wellingtonians and visitors to enjoy.

“Wellingtonians will be able to enjoy a space that feels both uniquely local and inspired by the best waterfront experiences around the world.” Drury said.

Designed in collaboration with Novak + Middleton Architects, the Wellington Pavilion carefully balanced heritage preservation with modern design, Loveridge said.

Street view of the new design for The Wellington Pavilion - the reimagined band rotunda.

He said the project adapted the band rotunda for contemporary use, ensuring it was seismically resilient while honouring its historic character.

The building, built in 1937, was used first as a bathing pavilion, as well as a kiosk. In 1982 a second floor and a roof was added, and in 1985 the top floor was opened as a restaurant.

It has been home to the Bluewater Bar and Grill and a Fisherman’s Table restaurant but closed in 2012, as it needed extensive strengthening and restoration work.

In 2019, the Wellington City Council accepted a redevelopment proposal by developer Cheops Holdings.

Asbestos was removed in 2019, but work was slowed due to Covid-19.

The council and Cheops Holdings “mutually agreed” to terminate the development and lease of the property and Watson Group stepped in.