Wellington Cable Car Kelburn Upgrade
Wellington is to get a new Kelburn terminus for its heritage cable car.
Construction is expected to start by May next year and be complete by September.
Bevin + Slessor Architects say their rib-like timber structure would provide a simple and elegant enclosure for the station and offer clear views to surrounding attractions, which would help visitors orientate themselves.
A subtle twist in the roof and wall is designed to “celebrate the drama of arrival and departure by cable car, creating a dynamic sculptural building that would capture the spirit and energy of Wellington”.
Andrew Sexton Architecture views the site as open public space and their design proposes that the roof of the building and an internal viewing platform be an extension of that public area.
They say the form of the terminus draws inspiration from the geometry of the track, cable car and surrounding landforms.
“The roof of the main concourse is positioned at the incline of the track and the stepped roof terrace above reminiscent of the floor of the cable car.”
The public can have their say. More on the project
9 Comments
The viewing platform roof is a great idea!
Whats wrong with the current platform??
Nothing? It doesn’t say they’re getting rid of it, just adding a new one.
I love it! It makes the Funicular more like a world class PT system, I have always love riding on it.
Just wish to point out it isn’t a heritage cable car. The old cable cars and original track was all replaced by new stuff in the late 70′s or early 80′s. It’s a functional part of Wellington’s PT network and is used by commuters probably more so than visitors.
@Geoff True. I was meaning the service itself.
As someone who used to commute by cable car to uni every day, let me just say: YUCK.
It would be good if the cable car was part of Wellington’s PT network, but it isn’t. It’s standalone in every respect - fares, timetables, marketing, ticketing - and any connection with the region’s Metlink PT network is entirely coincidental.
Upgrade is a good idea, but why don’t keep in the design the classic style that an early XX century cable car deserves?