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.
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.
