A concept of how the redesign will look. Photo: Supplied / Matter Visuals
A landmark building on Wellington's Oriental Bay is set to reopen in 2027.
The Band Rotunda was built in 1937 and housed several restaurants and bars from the 1980s until it was found to be quake prone in 2012 and it has since been shut.
Strengthening work began in 2021 after Wellington City Council signed a long-term lease with the construction firm McKee Fehl and its sister company, Cheops Holdings, which specialises in developing historic buildings.
Nothing has happened on the site for nearly two years.
However, Wellington City Council has announced a bright future for the rotunda on Thursday with the council having approved plans to negotiate a development agreement with Watson Group Limited.
The redevelopment will include a bathhouse, a day spa, restaurant and bar while maintaining public access to the roof top.
Photo: Supplied / Matter Visuals
Preliminary works including earthquake strengthening and restoration of the site are scheduled to start in the new year.
Plans to reopen the building in 2027 will coincide with the 90th anniversary of the bathing pavilion opening.
The council said details on the cost of the build and its negotiations were commercially sensitive.
Wellington mayor Tory Whanau said it was great news to end the year on.
"This has been a complicated process which has involved a lot of hard mahi from officers, ensuring they get the right balance with the site, with a focus on restoration, ensuring it's a destination location, and making sure it's resilient for future generations too."
Photo: Supplied / Matter Visuals
