Our story

With ambitious aspirations to grow both in size and influence, 320 The Terrace is an important space for our University’s future.

The site at 320 The Terrace has considerable potential. Its location at the crossroads of the central city, Te Aro and Kelburn provides the University with a rare opportunity to grow, and to strengthen connections to Wellington.

The site is currently occupied by the Gordon Wilson Flats and the McLean Flats, both of which are abandoned. The Gordon Wilson Flats is a large former state housing development that was completed in 1959. Structural issues were identified in 2011 and the building, then owned by Housing New Zealand, was deemed potentially earthquake prone. Residents of its 87 units were evacuated in May 2012.

Acquisition and regulatory environment

In 2014, the University purchased the site occupied by the Gordon Wilson Flats from Housing NZ. Since then, the site has a long and involved history from its acquisition through to the present day.

A District Plan change to rezone the site as ‘institutional precinct’ was considered at a Wellington City Council hearing in December 2015 and approved in April 2016, along with an application to delist the building as a heritage site—changes that would enable the University to provide improved facilities for the benefit of Wellington and New Zealand. In 2017, the Council’s decision to delist the Gordon Wilson Flat’s heritage status was successfully challenged in the Environment Court.

In 2019, the University purchased the McLean Flats, which neighbour the Gordon Wilson Flats, from Housing NZ. The University did this to ensure it would be able to maximise the potential of the site. Wellington City Council designated the Gordon Wilson Flats as earthquake-prone in June 2019, following which the University began a year-long feasibility study to better understand the site and its potential. In 2020, the Te Huanui development was proposed, supported by then-Vice-Chancellor Professor Grant Guilford. That proposal is no longer on the table.

After 2020, a series of decisions by Wellington City Council, the courts and Ministers regarding heritage status, as well as other factors such as financial sustainability, meant that it was not possible for the University to consider steps towards site redevelopment until late 2025. These events are outlined in the timeline.

Demolition of the existing structures

In December 2025, the University appointed Ceres as its demolition contractor. Ceres has a strong track record in health, safety, and compliance. Site preparations began that month and demolition works are anticipated to continue throughout 2026. We appreciate these works have an impact, especially for neighbours.

Relevant consents are being obtained to demolish the Gordon Wilson and McLean Flats. Any application must demonstrate careful consideration for the likely impact on neighbouring properties, traffic, and safety.

The University’s Capital Plan includes funding for demolition across the 2025/2026 financial years.

Timeline

See a history of the University's involvement with 320 The Terrace on our timeline.

See project updates.