Wellington heritage development debate

In late July, Wellington City Council postponed a heritage permit for the proposed three‑storey expansion of the historic Drake Devonshire Inn, sending the application back to its development services department. Council members heard concerns from the developer’s lawyer about possible legal action and from residents worried about the building’s compatibility with the heritage district and construction impacts. Staff were instructed to work with the developer on a revised plan that meets heritage requirements, with a recommendation to be presented at the next council meeting.

A week later, Resource Management Act Reform Minister Chris Bishop released a report reviewing heritage planning rules across five key Wellington sites. The investigation argued that existing heritage controls were constraining economic growth and employment. Bishop estimated that easing or removing these provisions could enable the construction of roughly 770 additional apartments, generate about $280 million in construction activity, and support around 300 jobs, including new film‑studio facilities. A public consultation was opened to gather community input on balancing preservation with development goals.