Seismic upgrade for Victoria Bowling

Seismic upgrade for Victoria Bowling

Earthquake strengthening will begin soon for the Victoria Bowling Club, to bring it up to seismic standards.

The work will be paid for by the club and is part of conditions it must meet as part of its new 10-year lease with the Wellington City Council, to occupy its space on the Town Belt, at the top of Pirie Street and at the base of Mount Victoria.

Club president Gary Ruane says the work includes includes steel bracing of the exterior brick veneer of the club, but is relatively minor compared to what some other buildings have to go through.

 “The building has got good bones, as the engineer said.”

Once engineering design is complete, tenders will be called to carry out the work.

“Our plan is to have all that complete by the end of winter, ready for the new season, and tick that box.”

The new lease was agreed with the council in December 2022.  The council asked for feedback from community, including Friends of the Town Belt, and the Mt Victoria Residents’ Association, but received none.

The new lease will not be confirmed until the club carries out a set of specified actions.  These include engineering work on the main building to meet seismic standards, and terminating the residential tenancy in the club-built cottage.

The historic club has leased the land at 125 Pirie Street Mt Victoria since 1955, although the club itself dates from 1896.

The club’s leased area measures approximately 6130 square metres and includes clubrooms, a cottage, and two bowling greens.  The club will pay just over $3000 a year to the council as part of the new lease, as well as rates.

The club has the right to renew for a further 10 years

Victoria Bowling has 85 fulltime members and 120 social members.

It is recognised for its strong performance nationally, with club representatives winning national titles 8 years in a row.

The results come from the competitive environment at the club, Ruane says.

“When I came here, straightaway, I noticed how competitive it is. 

“There’s no soft games.  The standard is set high.  But there’s a lot of camaraderie for each other… it’s got a good club spirit.”

Ruane says the club also sees itself as an important facility for the wider community, with the venue used by community groups for events and classes.

It also likes to encourage young people and new members through social bowls events and open days.

The club season finishes 18 May, and new season club championships restarts in October.