ABOUT THE RESTORATION.
Erskine Chapel has a proud heritage , one which has been documented on a soon to be available heritage trail throughout the Erskine development. The story of Erskine Chapel is also one of determined protection for one of Wellington's finest heritage buildings.
The Wellington Company has owned the Chapel since 2000. 23 years and a number of significant hurdles later (enduring a long drawn out legal battle over its protection, being red stickered post-Earthquakes and finally being badly attacked by vandals), its milestone reopening is one of our greatest honours. The journey to this point was tumultuous and at times, seemingly insurmountable. But thanks to all parties working together, the Chapel in all its glory can be once again enjoyed.
The strengthening work undertaken on Erskine Chapel was complex and significant. It raised the building's structural rating to 67% NBS, including strengthening unreinforced masonry buttresses with steel, tying back other unreinforced masonry, strengthening gable end walls with steel rods and the installation of new steel diaphragms. Much of the structural strengthening is hidden to ensure the chapel remains as it was back in 1930. The significant reroofing project was once again undertaken in the heritage ochre red.
Once that seismic work was undertaken, attention shifted to the refurbishment of many highly crafted features - significant carpentry (involving kauri, oregon, rimu, jarrah, heart totara, heart matai, and baltic pine), leadlight windows, and beautiful Italian Carrera marble. Aside from the installation of modern lighting, bathrooms and air-conditioning, the chapel building remains much as it was back when first opened.
FUNDING.
The total restoration and strengthening cost for Erskine Chapel was $7M+, primarily funded by The Wellington Company.
The project gratefully received a $250,000 Upgrade Works Grant from the Ministry for Culture & Heritage, and $75,000 from Heritage New Zealand. Wellington City Council contributed $10,000 towards seismic strengthening and $10,000 towards a Conservation Plan.
