In March 2023, the Winter Gardens were fully re-opened to the public following a complex two-year project to seismically upgrade and undertake major repairs and improvements to the glasshouses and wider site. The repairs and strengthening works were complex and required a number of changes to the structures, which have been carried out with the utmost care and attention to detail to ensure that the heritage values of the place have been protected and enhanced. This icon site has been conserved for the future. This has been accomplished on time and within the original estimates on behalf of Auckland Council.
Its short-comings of limited accommodation, poor indoor-outdoor flow and generally poorly executed past alterations were successfully addressed in the re-design carried out by Salmond Reed Architects.
Exterior improvements included reinstatement of the front verandah, new entrance gable and steps, additions to rear, dining pavilion, double garaging, fences and entry lych gate.
Interior improvements included interior re-planning, retention of existing pressed metal ceilings and period fireplaces, new central stair and kitchen and bathroom updates.
