Wellington to Have New Railway Station

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 792, 12 October 1929, Page 1

Wellington to Have New Railway Station

PLANS COMPLETED WILL HOUSE HEAD OFFICES Press Association WELLINGTON, Today. Some finality appears to have been reached at last over the new railway station for Wellington, which has been in the air for the last 20 years. The Government has definitely approved the Bunny Street site, and has declined the Mayor’s proposal to set up a commission to consider the establishment of a goods yards at Petone instead of in the city. Plans for the new structure show a five-storey steel-frame building, 360 ft. by 340 ft., which will Include accommodation for a head office. The present building occupied by the staff will be taken over for other Government offices, which are now scattered about the city. There will also be restaurants and shops; In fact, all the accommodation of a first-class hotel, except for bedrooms. In reply to the Mayor, the Minister of Railways says it is not desirable or economical to shift the goods yard to Petone on account of the cost and inconvenience of working. The Mayor’s principal point was that the yards would occupy a large space, which was much more valuable for commercial purposes, considering how little flat ground there is in Wellington. The Minister states that there will be left over some eight acres available for such purposes, and a possible further area of an extent not stated at the far end of the block now being reclaimed. At present this is all that can be considered. There will also be provision for train loops, which was another question raised by the Mayor.