The regeneration of commercial buildings in Wellington

Abstract

Regeneration involving the sensitive reuse of old buildings represents the "integration of our architectural heritage with the present in a functioning relationship" (Biddle, 1976). This research report examines the trend to retain sound old buildings in relation to commercial buildings in the Wellington area. The report raises issues and identifies decisions that have to be made in projects of this nature. It does not provide answers to technical questions. The report contains a summary of attitudes towards regeneration as expressed in current literature on the subject. The main body of the report examines those issues which must be examined prior to making the decision of whether or not a building is suitable for regeneration. The issues are ordered into sections on building context, physical attributes, structural criteria, economics, and building codes and legal problems. A checklist is presented at the beginning of each section. A further section documents three case studies of regeneration projects carried out in Wellington. This research report will be of use to architects, engineers, property developers, building owners and any other person involved in making the decision of whether or not a particular building is suitable for regeneration.