Dominion Farmers’ Institute (Former)

• unknown
• Construction
• 1929
• Extension to the south
• 1942
• Partial removal of ornamentation
• 1964
• Major refurbishments
• 1968
• Further refurbishments
• 1984
• Complete refurbishment. 1929 southern extension removed, replaced with a new building

• 1920
• The Dominion Farmer’s Institute
• 1933
• Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
• 1935 - 1972
• The Reserve Bank

Not assessed

The farmers’ co-operative leader, Leigh Hunt, laid down the brief for the (former) Dominion Farmers’ Building; he wanted ‘a proven structure of distinctive architecture, owned and controlled by farmers, and housing all their city activities’. What he got was a very late (1917) essay in what is essentially high-Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, constructed in reinforced concrete. Despite the stripping of ornament from the building, notably the pinnacles on the roof line and moulding from the tower, the exterior remains reasonably intact. The archaism and deliberate conservatism of the building’s architectural style is presumably an accurate reflection of the image they wished to project at national level. At any rate, this reinforced concrete building is quite a mixture of parts, stylistically, although it carries off its eclecticism with an airiness and refinement of structure that remains impressive.

The slender piers of the facade form a sequence of shallow bays capped by Gothic gables. The central tower element is the outstanding feature of the building, with its oriel windows, Gothic arch at sixth-floor level, and main doors that are reputedly based on 13th century Welsh chapel doors. The structural refinement of the facade, a direct consequence of reinforced concrete construction techniques, brings to mind (but does not directly allude to) the slender verticals of the English Gothic tradition, again emphasising the eclecticism of the building.

The interior, following extensive renovations, has no authentic integrity apart from the entrance vestibule.

The building has some technological value that dates from its adaptation for use as the Reserve Bank in 1935. Arthur Leigh Hunt’s Confessions of a Leigh Hunt comments on the security considerations of the Reserve Bank before it moved into the (then) Dominion Farmer’s Institute Building and provides some curious insight about the bank’s procedures. It also comments on the building’s location on reclaimed land.

Reinforced concrete

The Former Dominion Farmers’ Building occupies a prominent city corner in Wellington’s central business district. The building has a principal facade to both Ballance and Featherston streets, and a lesser, secondary, façade to Maginnity Street. It looms large and impressive as one travels south down the key transport route of Featherston Street, and is a welcome foil to the monotonous row of bland modern office buildings that predominate the nearby streetscape.

The Former Dominion Farmers’ Building lies just outside the boundary of the Stout Street Heritage Area and is also close to the Parliamentary Precinct Heritage Area; and this is a part of the city that is particularly rich in heritage buildings. What sets Seabridge House apart is its dedicated commercial purpose, when compared with the government, university and court precincts nearby. Other heritage commercial buildings on Featherston Street include the former NZI building at No.131-133 (WCC 17/117), Riddiford House at No. 150 – 152 (WCC17/118) and the former Murray, Roberts and Co. Ltd building on the corner of Johnston and Featherston Streets (WCC 17/162)

• Architectural

  Does the item have architectural or artistic value for characteristics that may include its design, style, era, form, scale, materials, colour, texture, patina of age, quality of space, craftsmanship, smells, and sounds?

  The former Dominion Farmers’ Institute is a fine example of an early 20th century commercial building that was built in a Gothic Revivalist style. It makes full use of the structural possibilities of reinforced concrete for the interpretation of Gothic forms and is the work of one of the oldest most and important architectural practices in New Zealand, at that time known as Collins and Harman.

• Townscape

  Does the item have townscape value for the part it plays in defining a space or street; providing visual interest; its role as a landmark; or the contribution it makes to the character and sense of place of Wellington?

  The building is a well known landmark in the Featherston Street streetscape, and is highly visible to traffic travelling south into the city. Its location on a prominent corner site, and its vertical proportions and tower, make it a strong focal point.

• Association

  Is the item associated with an important person, group, or organisation?

  With the formation of the Dominion Farmer’s Institute, farming organisations had a co-ordinated voice, and the construction of a major commercial building in central Wellington was a potent symbol of their ambitions. The high historic value of the building derives principally from its construction and occupation by the Institute, further enhanced by later tenants, the Reserve bank in particular.

• Archaeological

  Does the item have archaeological value for its ability to provide scientific information about past human activity?

  The building is located in the Central City archaeological site reference NZAA R27/270.

• Technological

  Does the item have technological value for its innovative or important construction methods or use of materials?

  The building has some technological value for its adaptation for use the Reserve Bank in 1935.

• Identity Sense Of Place Continuity

  Is the item a focus of community, regional, or national identity? Does the item contribute to sense of place or continuity?

  The former Dominion Farmers’ Institute contributes a sense of continuity to Wellington’s central business district.

• Sentiment Connection

  Is the item a focus of community sentiment and connection?

  The former Dominion Farmers’ Institute is a focus of connection for the many that have worked or conducted business there, including New Zealand’s farmers, for whom it was built. Also, there is some novelty for those Wellingtonians who know the building for the full-size moa model that once occupied its foyer.

• Authentic

  Does the item have authenticity or integrity because it retains significant fabric from the time of its construction or from later periods when important additions or modifications were carried out?

  Though several features of the building’s exterior have been removed over the years, it still retains a high level of authenticity. The interior’s numerous refurbishments means it has a very low authenticity factor.

• Local Regional National International

  Is the item important for any of the above characteristics at a local, regional, national, or international level?

  The former Dominion Farmers’ Institute is primarily important at a local/regional level, but does possess some national importance as the home of farming interests from around New Zealand in Wellington.

• Representative

  Is the item a good example of the class it represents?

  Seabridge House is a good example of Gothic Revival architecture.

Not assessed

• Permit OC 10522. Foundation of building for Dominion Farmer’s Institute, WCC Archives
• Kernohan D. and Kellaway T. Wellington’s Old Buildings. Wellington: VUW Press, 1994
• Leigh Hunt, Arthur. Confessions of a Leigh Hunt. A.H. & A.W. Reed, 1951.
• McLean, Gavin. Historic Wellington Walking Tour. Auckland: Reed Books, 1998
• New Zealand Historic Places Trust. ‘C & D Listed Buildings’. 1993
• Wellington City Council. File: District Plan: Heritage Building – 100-114 Featherston Street – Seabridge House (Former Dominion Farmers’ Building). File Number 1041-06-FEA110 Vol.1.
• ____. Heritage Building Interiors Project: Seabridge House. 1997

• Inventory Report

Not available