Work will begin next week to remove the old Plunket building at Wairaka Park in Pukerua Bay, transforming the site into a larger, open green space for community use.
Located between the Wairaka Road Playground and Pukerua Bay Library, the building sits on reserve land and has fallen into disrepair. Following community consultation and consideration of potential future uses, Porirua City Council decided the structure should be removed.
The demolition is scheduled for 22 to 26 September. During this period, access to the library and reserve will be temporarily closed.
Parks Manager Julian Emeny said opening up the area will enhance its value as a shared space. “Wairaka Park is surrounded by bush, the library is right there, and the upgraded playground is super popular,” Emeny said. “Restoring the building site to grass will extend the green space and connect everything really nicely. We think this is a great outcome.”
Council has also agreed to consider future proposals from community groups interested in leasing the cleared land.
As part of the demolition, a strong emphasis is being placed on sustainability. All glass will be recycled into new bottles and insulation, the concrete slab will be crushed for aggregates, and metals will be reused where possible. Untreated, non-native timbers will be turned into biochar, while treated timber will be repurposed as much as feasible.
The council’s decision reflects a growing focus on revitalising public spaces while prioritising community needs and environmental care.