WCC, Municipal Offices Design Competition

Descriptive Data

Archives Identifier00252Date Range1900DescriptionThe Wellington City Council first met in a rented office in the Oddfellows Hall on Lambton Quay. In 1873 a proposal was raised to build a Town Hall and Office building, which led to a design competition in 1877, won by Thomas Turnbull. A modified version of his building design was constructed in 1878, consisting of only the office part.

From the early 1890s there was growing pressure for a Town Hall. Wellington had lagged behind other New Zealand cities in providing a civic hall. For years various sites and buildings were used for public meetings, civic receptions and dinners, concerts, galas, balls, music soirees, levees and official functions. Churches, theatres, lodge and schoolrooms were used.

After proposals to extend the existing building or complete the original design were investigated but not gone on with, the Council in 1900 decided to build a new Town Hall and Municipal Office. Ratepayers sanctioned a loan of £50,000 for the work, and a Council Committee was established to oversee the project.

In May 1900 the building requirements were finalised and a competition was held later that year to select a design. 13 firms entered the competition, the top three places going to Joshua Charlesworth, William Crichton and Samuel Hurst-Seagar. Entries closed January 1901.

This series includes two sets of the design plans entered into this competition.

The first is the winning design selected by the judges in February 1901. It was drawn by Charlesworth, who used the motto 'Commonwealth' for the competition. The design was altered before being finally approved for construction; as-built plans are held as part of Series 00248.

The second set is an entry named 'Mokoia' from the Wellington-based architect Thomas Turnbull and Sons. There are gaps in the sheet numbers, possibly indicating this is not the complete set.Quantity (Linear Metres)1.5MediumPlanSystem of ArrangementCharlesworth plans, numbered sheets 1 to 7.

Turnbull plans, numbered sheets 2, 4, 8, 9, 11 and 12.Collection TypeWellington City Council

Maps and Plans

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, winning design, basement plan

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, winning design, ground floor plan

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, winning design, first floor plan

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, winning design, second floor plan

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, winning design, cross section, longitudinal section

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, winning design, Cuba Street elevation

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, winning design, Mercer Street and Victoria Street [Wakefield Street] elevations

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, Thomas Turnbull and Son design, basement plan

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, Thomas Turnbull and Son design, alternative plan - basement and ground floor

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, Thomas Turnbull and Son design, longitudinal section

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, Thomas Turnbull and Son design, elevation to Cuba Street

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, Thomas Turnbull and Son design, elevation to Mercer Street

Wellington Town Hall and Municipal Offices Design Competition, Thomas Turnbull and Son design, back elevation

Access Information

Restriction StatusOpen

Related Agencies

Controlling or Creating AgencyWellington City CorporationRelationship Date Range1870-

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WCC, Municipal Offices Design Competition