We are delighted to announce McKee Fehl's involvement in the Wellington City Council (WCC) redevelopment of the Band Rotunda in Oriental Bay.
In their announcement, WCC confirmed a successful proposal has been accepted by Cheops Holdings Ltd, which will use sister company McKee Fehl to undertake all construction activities.
Led by Maurice Clark, Cheops Holdings will lease and redevelop the Band Rotunda for commercial hospitality uses. McKee Fehl will act as the head contractor and undertake all construction activities.
Plans to redevelop the heritage site recognise the Band Rotunda’s place in Wellington’s urban landscape and the local community. This redevelopment is designed to create a long-term, commercially viable site that will reactivate the link between the building and Oriental Parade and become a destination for Wellingtonians and tourists.
The current Band Rotunda building, a Wellington waterfront landmark since its completion in 1938, has been closed for some time as it needs extensive renovation works. The concrete slab between the upper and lower levels of the building has deteriorated and is unsafe, and the foundations are being affected by the sea.
Commenting on the announcement, Wellington Mayor Justin Lester said, “The Band Rotunda is one of Wellington’s most recognisable buildings but needed a lot of work to bring it up to modern safety standards.”
“It is wonderful that in this deal with Cheops Holdings we have been able to secure its future and it will remain one of the city’s landmarks. We are also delighted to retain public access and that the redevelopment will maintain the building’s heritage values and eye-catching charm,” added Justin Lester.
Commenting on the announcement, Maurice Clark said, “The Band Rotunda is one of Wellington’s most iconic landmarks. We are delighted to take-on the opportunity to restore and rejuvenate this much-loved site and bring vitality to Oriental Bay. After strengthening and upgrading, we hope to attract a premier hospitality operator, bringing a host of local community benefits and further enhancing our city’s hospitality offering.”
“Wellingtonians will be delighted when the Band Rotunda is back in use; we’ve missed it,” says Councillor Nicola Young, portfolio leader for central city projects. “Maurice Clark has an outstanding track record in restoring heritage buildings, so he’s absolutely the right man for this project,” Nicola Young added.