Band Rotunda

• 1936
• Consent granted for the bathing pavilion
• 1984
• Permit granted to convert the pavilion into a restaurant; included adding another storey to the building
• 1996
• Alterations to the balcony
• 2003
• Construction of self-contained public toilets
• 2006
• Fire egress reinstated on western side of the building. Structure attached to the existing ramp from footpath to the beach
• unknown
• The full list of modifications and the corresponding Wellington City Archives’ reference numbers are listed under the section “Background Research”.

Not assessed

Not assessed

The original building was designed as a bathing pavilion with a viewing platform above which housed a relocated band rotunda. The lines of the building were low-slung and Moderne, with a simple stepped parapet over the central entrance and a balcony of concrete set in a grill pattern. A plain cornice marked the roof line. Post-and-ball lights added emphasis to the top, and small grilled windows on the street elevation lit the toilets on either side of the entrance. The windows to the changing-rooms on the seaward elevation were plain sliding casements.

The plan is semi-circular, with a central ground-floor corridor parallel with Oriental Parade. The addition of another floor, which presently houses a restaurant, preserves the building’s essential lines, although the cantilevered balcony on the seaward elevation has changed the original low-key emphasis considerably.

Construction is reinforced concrete foundations, walls, and roof, with some precast concrete beams. Ornamental iron work in grills and gates survives (2012).

Reinforced concrete and precast concrete beams

Metal window joinery

Iron work in grills and gate

The Band Rotunda is a prominent landmark, occupying a dramatic site in the centre of the sweep of Oriental Bay and located on a magnificent promenade. It is seen from around the bay and from across the harbour, a self-assertive piece of nautical architecture that is unique in Wellington for its closeness to the waters of the harbour.

• 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 Band Rotunda is a self-assertive piece of nautical, Moderne architecture that is unique in Wellington for its proximity to the waters of the harbour.

• Group

  Is the item part of a group of buildings, structures, or sites that taken together have coherence because of their age, history, style, scale, materials, or use?

  This is one of two band rotundas listed on the District Plan. The popularity of public musical performances at band rotundas declined in the mid twentieth century and few remain.

• 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 Band Rotunda is an integral part of the Oriental Parade seawall and a prominent landmark, occupying a dramatic site in the centre of the sweep of Oriental Bay and located on a magnificent promenade.

• Association

  Is the item associated with an important historic event, theme, pattern, phase, or activity?

  The Band Rotunda’s historic value is derived from its construction by the Wellington City Council as a public facility for the use and enjoyment of visitors and residents of Oriental Bay.

• Archaeological

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

  Risk 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?

  Although the current band rotunda is much altered, this site has been occupied by a band rotunda for over 90 years and this continuity of use contributes to the identity, sense of place and continuity of the Oriental Parade streetscape, and the Wellington city sea-front.

• Public Esteem

  Is the item held in high public esteem?

  It has strong social value for its use as a public place well sited for views and sun. It retains a socially useful mix of uses to the present day, forming a visual focus in the ever popular Oriental Bay, the closest bathing beach to the central city.

• Sentiment Connection

  Is the item a focus of community sentiment and connection?

  It retains its traditional use as a popular platform for concerts and public events with the additional bonus of a restaurant and bar.

Not assessed

Not assessed

• “The Band Rotunda” New Zealand Home & Building New Zealand Institute of Architects, October-November 1985.
• Wellington City Council. Wellington Heritage Building Inventory 2001: Non-Residential Buildings. Wellington City Council, 2001.

• Inventory Report

Not available