The first stage of repairs to Wellington's panoramic Oriental Bay sea wall are set to start mid-April.
Photo: 123rf
The historic wall forms the edge of Oriental Bay Parade and was built between 1922 and 1930, but has deteriorated over time.
It is considered a heritage structure and is protected by the Wellington City Council's District Plan.
"It's a popular promenade, a significant public amenity for recreation, and provides a critical route in emergencies," a council statement said.
The entire length of the wall from Freyberg Pool to Carlton Gore Road will be repaired in three stages over a period of years.
Wellington's Oriental Bay in 1906, before a major earthquake raised the beach around the bay. Photo: Supplied/ Wellington City Council
From April to September the section from Grass Street to Carlton Gore Road is to be repaired, with cracks to be filled, rusted steel remnants removed, and degraded concrete replaced.
"This work will extend the life of the century-old sea wall, helping protect Oriental Bay for future generations," the council said.
It said the work should not disrupt traffic or pedestrians, and would continue into 2025.
Wellington's Oriental Bay and early predecessor to the current seawall, in 1910. Photo: Supplied/ Alexander Turnbull Library, S.C. Smith Collection
"Oriental Bay is a historically significant area of Wellington. Ngāi Tara [now known as Muaūpoko] established the palisaded kāinga Te Waihirere Pā, on [the north east point] overlooking the bays."
"Te Waihirere was named for the 'gushing waters' that swept over the hilltop while the pā was being constructed."
It was then renamed in 1840 following the arrival of the early European immigrant sailing ship the Oriental, before the earthquake raised the beach in 1855.
In February the council also confirmed work was about to begin to fix the Oriental Bay band rotunda, which has been closed for nine years.
The Oriental Bay band rotunda has housed restaurants in the past, including the Fisherman's Table. Photo: CC BY-SA 2.0 / Tony
