Erskine College Main Building and Chapel of the Sacred Heart

• 1906
• Building opened
• 1907
• Completion of convent - finishing of top floor (part), Cost: £690, Architect: J.S. Swan, Builder: John Moffat
• 1909
• Completion of convent - finishing of top floor (balance), Cost: £776, Architect: J.S. Swan Builder: H. Davis
• 1916
• Addition of St Anthony’s block. (No details of the architect, cost and builder are known, although it was likely to have been designed by John Swan).
• 1921
• Additions to the building in two parts. Community refectory and classroom block behind the convent. Two storied, with connecting covered ways to old building, one covered way leading off from lower floor corridor, ii) the other from the upstairs study room, and also adjoining the upper floor lavatory.
• 1921
• New pantry added off entrance way. School refectory extended by the removal of wall (included removal of a fireplace). New door to outside from Sisters room (room adjacent to the school refectory), Cost: Not known, Architect: Swan Lawrence Swan and Hamilton, Builder: M. Browman, Permit no.: C13401, C13450
• 1930
• Decorative timber infills removed from principal gables.
• 1930
• The building of the chapel brought extensive alterations to the school block, including a new library, studyroom and Junior School area. The little Lady Chapel was moved next to the studyroom. No record of these alterations has yet been located.
• 1934
• Addition of a dormitory to the top of the 1921 wing. Connected to Old Building by a covered way
• 1943
• Strengthening of the music room block after earthquake, Cost: Not known, Architect: B.F. Kelly; Builder: Yeatts and Co Ltd, Permit no.: B22582/B3794
• 1949
• Lisieux Wing, an accommodation block added to the east of the main building, erected, Cost: £5,268, Architect: Kelly & Marie, Builder: A.V. Swanson, Permit no.: B28006
• 1955
• Alterations to Sacred Heart Convent - included alterations to St Antonio’s block (St Anthony’s). Houghton & Son and Marie. Cost: Not known, Architect: Haughton & Son and Mair, Builder: Not known, Permit no.: B39298
• 1957
• Gymnasium built. No record of this work has yet been found.
• 1967
• Building of the Coen Wing, incl. accommodation for senior girls in bed-studyrooms on the top floors, science laboratories on the first floor and a kitchen and laundry block on the ground floor. Cost: Not known, Architect: Haughton and Mair, Builder: Not known, Permit no.: C20061
• 1980
• Alterations to Lisieux Wing etc. Cost: $58,500, Architect: Houghton Partnership, Builder: Robin Schwass Ltd, Permit no.: B13557
• 2003
• Unspecified modifications

• 1906
• Society of the Sacred Heart Society of the Sacred Heart (Sacré Coeur)
• 1970
• Incorporated Society Incorporated Society (Erskine College Inc.)
• 1985
• Various tenants
• 1996 - 2009
• Learning Connexion International School of Art and Creativity

Not assessed

Summary of Convent Building:

The 1906 Convent Building (or Main Building) features vertical proportions and roof forms that are typical of the Gothic style, and it is the building that defines the complex. Its interiors are not as impressive as those of the Chapel, but its proportions and symmetry are striking in their scale, elegance, and grandeur. The entrance is centred and flanked by full height gabled wings. These wings contain the essentials of the decorative presentation of the Convent Building: the half timbered Tudor influenced gables, rectangular paned Edwardian styled windows, Romanesque influenced tall rounded windows, a centred niche and Sacré Coeur emblem (two hearts encircled by lilies), negatively formed crosses, and engaged columns – one below the other on successive floors, and all formed in a symmetry of its own. Between the wings the simplest of the windows are in the front wall, set back and embellished by timbered verandahs at each level and three dormers at the fourth level – all reinforcing the importance of this view by mirrored features and detailing.

The building is constructed in brick with reinforced concrete, and is robust and solid in appearance behind its decoration. The exterior is predominantly light grey plastered brick which has weathered in an elegant way and is complimented by the off white timber joinery of the verandahs, gables, and window frames. Each floor level is marked by horizontal plinth detailing, at the point of the structurally reinforced bond beam. The roof is steeply pitched and iron clad. Most of the original chimneys have been removed.

Around the building, the other elevations do not have the same extent of elaborate detailing. The fenestration becomes more slender and elongated with similar joinery to the front façade. The regularity of the windows and dormer timbered gabled modulate the high solidity of the exterior form. While the three other facades of this H plan building are less intricate, they are sufficiently grand, with high quality detailing emphasising its craftsmanship and giving it significant architectural merit, and allowing an impressive view from all sides.

Summary of Erskine Chapel/Chapel of the Sacred Heart:

The Chapel added to the south side of the Convent Building in 1930 extends down to the front edge of the Convent Building and the ground floor of the Chapel is level with the first floor of the Convent.

The main entrance to the chapel is now through double doors to the driveway rising on the southern side of the site, this entrance replaced the original internal points of access from the convent. The east end of the chapel is up against a steep embankment planted with shrubs and trees. There are some residential properties in close proximity to the east and south. To the north the chapel is adjacent to a well maintained garden and courtyard that was used for weddings.

The exterior of the Chapel only gives hints as to the magnificence of the interior. Stained glass windows are arranged on the upper part of the exterior with hood moulds over the windows, the high steep roof suggests an impressive interior space. Rhythmic buttressing extends the length of the nave, the five sided apse projecting at the east end, gables with high crosses, a niche, and quatrefoil window mark the transepts. A rectangular stout section of the building projecting from the Chapel north houses supporting spaces. The Chapel has been constructed to complement the main Convent with the use of brick finished in grey plaster and timber framed detailing. The interior of the building has features, surfaces and finishes that are superb. The plasterwork around doors, windows, columns and alcoves is finely detailed providing exquisite modulations of light around the interior. The plaster vaulting of the ceilings fans down onto slender decorated columns around the apse and through the nave. The Stations of the Cross are positioned beneath the vaults. Brilliant stained glass of German origin are set in lancet windows around the Chapel.The Chapel is remarkable also for its fixtures. The statuary (including those flanking the entranceway), the altar and the cancelli in white marble are delicately carved in the (mainly) Gothic tradition. The rimu pews are simply constructed. The rimu stalls are panelled with trefoil and quatrefoil motifs, surmounted with crosses. The panelled rimu pulpit is a neat, cantilevered enclosure reached by five stairs.

Concrete - foundations, piles, floors, verandah floors, steps.

Kauri – sundry doors, wash tubs, sink tables, shelving and dresser.

Oregon – floor joists not already specified for jarrah and matai, rafters of roof principals.

Rimu – varnished.

Reinforcing (rail irons) - over window and door heads, otherwise steel rod within concrete.

Brickwork – (in areas indicated on plan). Every 1/8th course bonded with a hoop of iron; brickwork - English bond.

RSJ - in marked walls.

Dressed timber – for flooring, in hall, staircase and about windows. Roof principals of rimu.

Jarrah - sleepers, stringers, 6” ground floor joists, wall plates, partition plates, framing in verandahs and balconies, flooring of fire escape platform flooring of ? stand, covering boards and beams and studs under beams and roof principals.

Heart totara – all outside woodwork not jarrah, sun boards and bearers, outside door frames, window frames and sills complete, ground for lining and skirtings on brick walls.

Heart baltic pine – for sundry doors and all window sashes.

Heart matai – for flooring and 10” joists where within three feet of ground.

Immediately, the buildings stand with the Reverend Mother’s Garden, which features cast iron gates and fences as well as stone walls, which mark the original pedestrian entrances to the property from the Melbourne Road Property. Although slightly unruly, the garden is still present and is emphasised by the now sizeable mature trees. The Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto is located on the embankment on the north of the site, adjacent to the northern driveway. It is made up of a small shrine with mosaic stone work where a statue of the Virgin Mary once stood.

More widely, Erskine College stands on the eastern hills of Island Bay, overlooking the community and the valley. The site rises up from Avon Street with a drive sweeping Melbourne Road, curving before the main entrance to the college. Behind the college the hill rises steeply to the suburb of Melrose. The most prominent building, the 1906 Convent Building, is set apart from its neighbours in the suburban neighbourhood. It looks out over the valley, and with its obvious architectural and somewhat romanticised grandeur, it contributes to the local townscape of Island Bay.

• 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 Erskine College complex is of outstanding architectural significance. Its size and style hearken back to an era when schools were intended to be places of distinction and exude confidence and tradition. These buildings are among the greatest achievements of John Sydney Swan and are remarkable for their design, form, and composition and the separate Chapel and Convent building have been skilfully designed to read as a single, imposing and grand, entity.

• 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?

  Erskine College is set apart from its neighbours in the suburban neighbourhood. It looks out over the valley, and with its obvious architectural and somewhat romanticised grandeur, it significantly contributes to the local townscape of Island Bay.

• Association

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

  Erskine College is associated with a number of important people and organisations in New Zealand’s history. It was founded at the invitation of Bishop Francis Redwood who would later become an Archbishop. It is associated with the development of Catholic education in New Zealand. It is also significant for its association with John Sydney Swan, who not only designed the most noteworthy buildings on the site, but who also donated to the central chapel window. The place is also of historic importance for its links with the Society of the Sacred Heart, and is important as the second convent school that was instituted by them in New Zealand.

• Archaeological

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

  The archaeological values associated with Erskine College are unknown, but it is known that the site was in use prior to the establishment of the school.

• Educational

  Does the item have educational value for what it can demonstrate about aspects of the past?

  Erskine College is of educational value to demonstrate the development of Catholic education in New Zealand, in particular in the narrative of secondary education aimed at girls. The site is also the site of a major, long lasting, and continuing heritage battle so the site has a high profile. As the buildings have a long association with the Society of the Sacred Heart they are also useful in telling the story of the society and its mission.

• Technological

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

  Erskine College has technical value as an early example of reinforced masonry construction and for the technical accomplishment of the design.

• 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?

  Erskine College is an extremely visible element of the Island Bay community and contributes significantly to the sense of place and continuity in the suburb. It is the subject of huge public esteem and the socio-cultural values of the place are well documented.

• Public Esteem

  Is the item held in high public esteem?

  Erskine College is held in extremely high public esteem, demonstrated by the public outcry and outrage at its proposed demolition in the 1980s, the establishment of SECT who were the first non-government authority to hold a heritage protection order, and the continued involvement of the public in the development and future of the buildings.

• Sentiment Connection

  Is the item a focus of community sentiment and connection?

  These buildings are a focus of community sentiment and connection and are of outstanding heritage significance. It is a now-rare physical testament to the work of the Society of the Sacred Heart in New Zealand, the place tells a story of the development of Catholic education in this country and is associated with numerous significant historical figures as well as being a place of worship, spiritual retreat and celebration for generations of pupils and Sacré Coeur religious, some of whom are commemorated within the site.

• Symbolic Commemorative Traditional Spiritual

  Does the item have symbolic, commemorative, traditional, spiritual or other cultural value for the community who has used and continues to use it?

  Erskine College has a high level of symbolic, commemorative, traditional, and spiritual value. It is a physical symbol of the work of the Society of the Sacred Heart. The buildings tell of the expansion of the school and the educational work of the society and a number of them are named for important members of the society. The Chapel contains many relics associated with donors and venerated members of the Catholic community, both local and worldwide.

• 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?

  The College retains considerable authenticity in some ways, particularly on the main facades. The essential characteristics of Swan’s designs are intact and few features have been altered. Some decoration has been lost (timber in the gables for example) but the cement plaster mouldings and other embellishments remain in place. The refurbishment of the Chapel has made some alterations, in particular the addition of new doors.

• Rare

  Is the item rare, unique, unusual, seminal, influential, or outstanding?

  Erskine College is one of few remaining secondary school buildings from the Victorian/Edwardian period remaining in Wellington and is certainly the city’s oldest purpose built secondary school building.

• Representative

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

  The Convent and Chapel are excellent examples of the Gothic tradition designed with a colonial influence by one of Wellington’s most important architects from the period.

• Importance

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

  Erskine College is of outstanding and national heritage significance. It is a now rare physical reminder of the work of the Society of the Sacred Heart in New Zealand and tells the story of the development of Catholic education in this country. The buildings themselves are of special architectural, cultural, technological, and aesthetic significance as excellent examples of the work of a prominent architect. The Chapel in particular is regarded as the finest Gothic interior in New Zealand. It is associated with a number of important historic figures as well as being a place of worship, spiritual retreat, and celebration for generations of pupils, members of the society, and Wellingtonians. It is the focus of huge public esteem and is held in high regard by former alumnae, members of the Catholic community, Island Bay residents, heritage professionals, and a myriad of other interested parties. Its high value is best demonstrated by the formation of the Save Erskine College Trust and its official approval as New Zealand’s first non-governmental heritage protection authority.

Not assessed

• Cochrane, Chris with Michael Kelly. ‘Erskine College Conservation Plan.’ Prepared for Ian Cassels, Property Link Development Ltd. 31 May 2001.
• Historic Places Trust. ‘John Sydney Swan.’ Professional Biographies. Accessed 20 December 2013,
• Kelly, Michael. ‘Erskine College Heritage Assessment.’ Unpublished heritage assessment report. Commissioned by Michael Hartfield for Wellington City Council, October 1997.
• McBride, Kerry. ‘Wellington’s historic Erskine College faces demolition.’ Dominion Post, 23 March 2012. Accessed 20 December 2013,
• Wagstaff, Blyss and Alison Dangerfield. ‘Erskine College (former) – 25-31 Avon Street, Melbourne Road, and Mace Street, Island Bay.’ Unpublished registration report, Historic Places Trust, 17 July 2009.
• Archives: WCA – 00043: 4: 380 Criteria for assessing cultural heritage significance

• Inventory Report
• 1905 plans

Not available