Key Takeaways
- The abandoned Reading Cinemas complex in Wellington is set to be redeveloped into a new complex called "The Court"
- The project, led by Primeproperty Group, will feature a blend of cinemas, retail, hospitality, and dining options
- The building will be upgraded to 70% of the New Building Standard for a structure its size, with significant earthquake strengthening work already underway
- The redevelopment is expected to be completed by 2027 and will bring new life to the central precinct of Courtenay Place
- The project is a private development, with the Wellington City Council playing a supporting role through the consenting process
Introduction to the Redevelopment Project
The long-abandoned Reading Cinemas complex in Wellington is finally set to be redeveloped, with resource consents lodged for the project. The large earthquake-prone building, located on the city’s main nightlife road Courtenay Place, has been sitting empty since 2019 and has often been referred to as an eyesore. In an effort to get the building redeveloped, the council had previously put together a bid to buy the land under it for $32 million, but that failed last year. However, in January, it was announced that property company Primeproperty Group had bought the site, and the company has now lodged resource consents with Wellington City Council for its exterior design.
The New Complex: "The Court"
The new complex, dubbed "The Court", will feature a blend of cinemas, retail, hospitality, and dining options. The exterior design, created by Australasian architecture and design firm Buchan, is a major step in reshaping the look and feel of the building. According to Primeproperty Group’s chief executive Eyal Aharoni, the new façade will play a key role in how The Court reconnects with the city and its surroundings. The complex will be upgraded to 70% of the New Building Standard for a structure its size, equivalent to 100% for standard commercial buildings. This upgrade will include significant earthquake strengthening work, such as thickening, new shear walls, diaphragm strengthening with fibre-reinforced polymers, and additional roof bracing and movement joints to significantly enhance seismic performance.
Earthquake Strengthening and Upgrades
The earthquake strengthening work is already underway under current building consents. This work is crucial in ensuring the building is safe and resilient in the event of an earthquake. The upgrades will not only improve the building’s structural integrity but also enhance its overall aesthetic appeal. The new design features a modern and sleek façade, with a focus on creating a vibrant and exciting atmosphere. The renders of the new building, released by Primeproperty Group, show a significant transformation from the current state of the building. The new design is expected to bring new life to the central precinct of Courtenay Place, which is a key area for hospitality and entertainment.
Community Reaction and Support
The redevelopment of the Reading Cinemas complex has been welcomed by the community, with many seeing it as a positive step towards revitalizing the area. Mayor Andrew Little said the redevelopment would be good for the central precinct, which was a key area for hospitality and entertainment. "It’s great to see that there’s further development happening," he told RNZ. "It’s a bit of a gap on Courtenay Place." He also acknowledged that development work would always bring disruption, but emphasized that the end result would be worth it. "I think what most people are focused on is we do want Courtenay Place precinct to be a vibrant, exciting place that’s really attractive for people to get to." The Wellington City Council is playing a supporting role in the project, with the mayor stating that it was appropriate for the development to be led by a private company.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The redevelopment of the Reading Cinemas complex is a significant project for Wellington, and its completion is expected to bring new life to the central precinct of Courtenay Place. The project is expected to be completed by 2027, with the building set to reopen as a vibrant and exciting destination. The new complex, "The Court", will feature a blend of cinemas, retail, hospitality, and dining options, and will be a major step forward in revitalizing the area. With the resource consents lodged and the earthquake strengthening work already underway, the project is moving forward, and the community is eagerly awaiting the completion of this exciting new development.