Wellington’s Public Trust Hall set to reopen after renovations

After 11 months of renovations, Wellington's Public Trust Hall will be officially opened at a formal reception on Monday 21st October by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.

Situated in the ground floor and basement of the landmark Public Trust Building, at 131-135 Lambton Quay, Public Trust Hall offers the versatility and convenience to meet a range of event requirements. The venue can accommodate 280 guests and boasts state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, acoustics perfect for chamber music as well as a professional catering kitchen.

Registered Category 1 with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, and built in 1909, the building’s original Edwardian Baroque architectural styling makes it an important landmark for the people of Wellington. The exterior building façade features the only New Zealand native granite, Tonga stone, from Tonga Bay in Abel Tasman National Park.

Extensive renovations were carried out by building owners Maurice and Kaye Clark over a period of 11 months and follow an initial strengthening and restoration programme completed in 2015.

Building proprietor Maurice Clark stated "preserving the heritage of Wellington’s finest buildings is crucial if we want to conserve and celebrate the city’s identity.

"We are delighted to make available the Public Trust Hall and provide Wellington with a sophisticated and central venue in an historically important and unique heritage building."

Construction was carried out by McKee Fehl Constructors Ltd which boasts an award-winning portfolio of heritage restoration projects including 15 Stout Street for Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Press Hall precinct.