Scots College Main Building

• 1918
• Erect college 00052:2:359
• 1938
• Dwelling 00056:208:B18049
• 1954
• School 00056:488:B36654
• 1975
• Dormitory block 00058:966:C42373
• 1982
• Strengthening of main school building 00058:1376:C58210

• 1918
• Scots College

Not assessed

The Scots College Main Building is one of the finest collegiate versions of Georgian Revival architecture in Wellington. The main facade has been simply and effectively detailed, with an excellent face work of English bond brick. The main entrance is framed by a Doric portico with a small balcony above. The window above the entrance is treated as an aedicule, with Ionic attached columns, capped by a segmentally-arched pediment carrying the college crest. The rest of the facade is symmetrical, with regular multi-paned windows, each with a keystone, setting the generous tempo of the facade.

The building has no entablature, but is capped by a handsome, dentilled cornice. A good example of Grey Young’s careful detailing is to be found in the treatment of the two copper downpipes which have been carefully designed to complement the facade. An Italianate bell tower, centrally positioned, caps the building. Construction is load-bearing brick masonry on concrete foundations; roof trusses are timber; and flooring is matai.

The interior has been modified following earthquake strengthening. The entrance foyer in particular preserves original features such as an egg-and-dart moulding on the cornice, timber panelling and panelled doors. The Scots College Main Building, set in its spacious grounds, creates an impressive image of the English country house and is one of the most architecturally significant buildings in Miramar.

Brick Masonry walls

Timber sash windows

Tiled roof (possibly pan tiles)

The building is located within the grounds of Scots College on Monorgan Road, Strathmore. It overlooks the north sports field and front driveway, ensuring that it is the first building to be encountered when approaching the college. Although the remaining college buildings are largely modern additions, these have been built behind the main building and do not detract from its prominent position. Because it is located on private property the building is not readily accessible to the general public but can still be viewed from the front gates on Monorgan Road.

• 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?

  Scots College Main Building is a fine example of neo-Georgian architecture designed by the style’s most accomplished local advocate, architect William Gray Young.

• 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 has townscape value for the way in which it dominates the approach to the college, and for its outlook across the sports fields and open ground to the north.

• Association

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

  The building is associated with the history of Scots College and the Presbyterian community of Wellington. The building is also associated with many former students and who have gone on to play prominent roles in New Zealand society.

• Archaeological

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

  The archaeological risk for this location is unknown.

• 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 building is a focus of identity for pupils, both past and present, of Scots College.

• Public Esteem

  Is the item held in high public esteem?

  The building will be held in public esteem, especially by members of the Presbyterian community and former students of Scots College.

• Sentiment Connection

  Is the item a focus of community sentiment and connection?

  The building has sentimental value to former pupils and teachers of Scots College.

• 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?

  The building will have symbolic and traditional value as an institution of education to pupils, both past and present, of Scots College.

• 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 building has retained a significant amount of its original fabric, therefore it has authenticity.

• Local Regional National International

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

  Because of its historic role as an education provider in Wellington, as well as being a landmark in Strathmore, the building is important on a local level.

• Rare

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

  The building is rare in that it is one of the few original founding college buildings that remain in Wellington.

Not assessed

• Brodie, J. The First Seven Thousand: A Jubilee History of Scots College. Wellington: Scots College Board of Governors, 1991.
• Historic Places Trust Professional Biographies. ‘William Gray Young.’
• New Zealand Historic Places Trust. ‘Heritage Buildings Interiors Project: Scots College.’ 1997.
• Wellington City Council. ‘38 Monorgan Road.’ Wellington Heritage Building Inventory 2001: Non-Residential Buildings. Wellington City Council, 2001. MONO1.
• Wilson, J. and F. Heron. The Wellington Golf Club 1895-1995. Wellington: Wellington Golf Club, 1995
• ‘1 Monorgan Road, erect college.’ 1918. 00052:2:359.

• Inventory Report
• 1918 specifications and plans

Not available