The former Auckland Chief Post Office is one of New Zealand’s most recognisable historic buildings. Salmond Reed Architects have provided specialist conservation advice since this iconic landmark, dating from 1912, was first converted into the Britomart railway station in 2004. The exterior has been restored as the cornerstone historic building of New Zealand’s largest transport infrastructure project, the City Rail Link.
Based on the recommendations and policies embodied in that report, the practice undertook the specification and management of major exterior refurbishment, which included extensive stonework repairs, a new slate roof and the removal, re-leading and reinstatement of all the windows (except for the stained glass to east and west ends). This work involved exacting manual draughting work to illustrate and locate all the existing stonework and architectural detailing.
Several years later we were again engaged to oversee re-wiring of the church – a major job, which was followed by installation of new interior lighting, which received an international lighting award.
The success of these projects established a lasting working relationship between St Matthews Parish and Salmond Reed Architects, which has, more recently, been consolidated by our management of the installation of a new Willis pipe organ in the original purpose- built organ loft and our completion of the much acclaimed restoration of St Thomas’ Chapel within the south transept of the church.
Work continues on other areas of the Church and its surrounds.
