Dixon St Flats off table despite heritage law loosening
Wednesday, 18 June 2025
With protection set to be removed from one problem Wellington apartment building, Kāinga Ora says it has no intention to seek the same for the abandoned heritage-listed Dixon Street Flats.
RMA Reform and Housing Minister Chris Bishop is introducing an amendment to the Resource Management Act to allow the demolition of heritage-listed Gordon Wilson Flats after a years-long heritage war, clearing the way for Victoria University to build new accommodation for more than 500 students.
Bishop said on Tuesday the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill also contains wider amendments to allow councils to delist heritage buildings in their district plans faster and more easily. It is expected to be passed into law by the end of July.
Heritage protection is also being actively considered as part of the Government’s replacement legislation for the Resource Management Act, expected to be introduced later in the year.
The notorious Dixon St Flats have been labelled as a strong contender for delisting according to Wellington City councillor Ben McNulty, who is looking to move an amendment to see other heritage buildings dealt with in the district plan early next term.
But a spokesperson said Kāinga Ora had no plans to seek the removal of its heritage listing, and was working towards a decision on the future of the building, including exploring divestment options.
Bishop said this was an operational matter for Kāinga Ora and the agency was working through the site's future.
'I was advised by Kāinga Ora last year that, depending on the level of earthquake strengthening, the cost to remediate the building for social housing worked out at around $1 million per unit.”
The flats were completed in 1944 and abandoned in 2022 after it was found the age, condition and configuration of the 11-storey building meant it was not suitable for use.
It was given a Category 1 heritage listing for being one of the first examples of Modernist architecture in New Zealand and only the second major social housing development in the country at the time.
Councillor Ben McNulty said he had heard first-hand the minister was looking at any and all options for the site.
The only way the building could be restored under its heritage status to modern standards was if it was sold at the luxury end of the market, he said.
“It seems like an absolute no brainer to remove that designation.”
McNulty, who wrote to the minister for a heritage law change last year alongside mayor Tory Whanau, said the notorious flats were another “Gordon Wilson in the making”.
The flats along with the Miramar Fuel Tank, Kahn House in Ngaio, Karori tunnel and the Band Rotunda seawall were constructions that he would look to delist next term as they suffered from “the worst of heritage regime”.
“It's about going up to the ones where heritage has resulted in dysfunctional urban outcomes or is bankrupting people,” he said.
“We want to just really focus on the ones where there's a really overwhelming economic case where the owners have a significant impact from that.”
He said being forced to restore the Town Hall under its heritage requirements “radicalised” him and on hearing the news about the Gordon Wilson flats, he was “ecstatic”.
Victoria University acting Vice-Chancellor and Provost Bryony James said she welcomed the decision from the minister to delist the Gordon Wilson Flats and anticipated demolition within the next year.
The university now needed to scope its options regarding the timing, cost, building footprint and capacity so it could create a strong business case to secure funding, she said.
The next step would be to have a building consent approved by council to demolish, based on a careful plan taking account of the neighbouring properties, traffic and safety.
“Our vision is to develop warm, affordable, and environmentally sustainable student accommodation.
“The site is well positioned for all three of our campuses and close to the city – so ideal for students moving between study, work and recreation.”
Mayor Tory Whanau said if the Government’s legislation passed, she wanted the council to review other heritage listings impeding the building of more housing or compromising building or infrastructure resilience.
The move would help address the city’s need for warm, safe, and affordable housing, she said.
Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul had been talking to Victoria University management about plans for student accommodation.
'I hope they stick with it,' she said.