Stop the demolition of heritage buildings at the former St George's School site.
Stop the demolition of heritage buildings at the former St George's School site.
The issue
What's the Issue:
“Whanganui District Council is running a survey on the future use of the former St Georges School grounds which Council now owns. Fabulous heritage buildings are on this site that add character to our heritage District.
There is a real risk these buildings will be demolished.
Tell Council it must NOT allow the demolition of the former St George’s School heritage buildings at 125 Grey Street, Whanganui and explores all other options for future use that ensures these buildings are retained.”
Why demolition would be wrong:
Council hasn't marketed this property to see if the heritage buildings can be utilised, but its keen to lease it to an entity that want the heritage buildings demolished. That's not good enough, especially since this Council prides itself on heritage preservation.
Council hasn't consulted the community on this proposal and is only undertaking a 3 week survey - that's not good enough.
We question the very high estimates for restoration they've stated in their survey - they are not verified, are not quotes and are guesses by staff only.
Earthquake strengthening doesn't legally need to be done for nearly 30 years, so why is Council including this in their survey.
Asbestos is limited and in discrete places that can be dealt with. Removal costs will be higher if demolition occurs than if the buildings are kept.
There is no rush to demolish these buildings. There is no rush to make a decision to demolish these buildings. Council needs to properly consult with the community, market the site properly and find a solution that ensures these buildings are kept.
Council's survey closes on Sunday 15th June 2025. We need people to speak out now so Councillors know this is not an option. Please sign this petition but you can also complete Council's survey on this link: https://www.whanganui.govt.nz/Your-Council/Have-Your-Say/Consultations/Future-of-125-Grey-Street
Who is organising this Petition:
We are the Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust Board. We are active in heritage restoration and protection. Our Trustees have a wide range of skills including Architects and associated professions. Our website is www.whanganuiheritagetrust.org.nz
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The issue
What's the Issue:
“Whanganui District Council is running a survey on the future use of the former St Georges School grounds which Council now owns. Fabulous heritage buildings are on this site that add character to our heritage District.
There is a real risk these buildings will be demolished.
Tell Council it must NOT allow the demolition of the former St George’s School heritage buildings at 125 Grey Street, Whanganui and explores all other options for future use that ensures these buildings are retained.”
Why demolition would be wrong:
Council hasn't marketed this property to see if the heritage buildings can be utilised, but its keen to lease it to an entity that want the heritage buildings demolished. That's not good enough, especially since this Council prides itself on heritage preservation.
Council hasn't consulted the community on this proposal and is only undertaking a 3 week survey - that's not good enough.
We question the very high estimates for restoration they've stated in their survey - they are not verified, are not quotes and are guesses by staff only.
Earthquake strengthening doesn't legally need to be done for nearly 30 years, so why is Council including this in their survey.
Asbestos is limited and in discrete places that can be dealt with. Removal costs will be higher if demolition occurs than if the buildings are kept.
There is no rush to demolish these buildings. There is no rush to make a decision to demolish these buildings. Council needs to properly consult with the community, market the site properly and find a solution that ensures these buildings are kept.
Council's survey closes on Sunday 15th June 2025. We need people to speak out now so Councillors know this is not an option. Please sign this petition but you can also complete Council's survey on this link: https://www.whanganui.govt.nz/Your-Council/Have-Your-Say/Consultations/Future-of-125-Grey-Street
Who is organising this Petition:
We are the Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust Board. We are active in heritage restoration and protection. Our Trustees have a wide range of skills including Architects and associated professions. Our website is www.whanganuiheritagetrust.org.nz
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Petition created on 3 June 2025