July 2010 update
Work is progressing to convert the former Tearaway Building at 31 Taupo Quay into Wanganui’s new Visitor Information Centre.
View the progress made so far in the images below.
Framing for the new façade onto Drews Avenue is around 50% complete and work has begun on re-cladding the roof, replacing the old metal sheets with new steel.
All of the main structural elements have been completed, including the steel work for a new balcony, which will front onto Moutoa Quay (below left). Work on door and window openings onto Drews Avenue and Moutoa Quay is also under way.
 
All of the internal demolition work has been completed, with the exception of cutting out the atrium space. The full height atrium will be built through both storeys of the building, removing a large part of the first floor area (above right).
In addition to I-Site services, the ground floor area will include the ‘Wanganui Shop’, public toilets (complete with aquarium), a display of local native Wanganui bush (created in the area shown below left) and a café.
 
The café area will provide seating both inside and outside, on a newly built covered deck area. Although the ground floor area is on three differing levels, ramps have been included in the design making it accessible for wheelchair users and people with push-chairs.
 Upstairs will house a new Glass Gallery, showcasing some of the glass art that Wanganui is famous for. There will also be an area housing the ‘Wanganui Story’ – an audio visual production outlining the colourful history of Wanganui played on a 50inch screen. The first fix wiring for the audio visual area has been completed (left).
The first floor also has a private apartment/office suite area which will be tenanted, once the building is complete, providing a rental income for council.
Further information
Click here to read about the background to the project.
View plan of Visitor Centre ground floor (PDF, 849KB)
Read about the history of the building (PDF, 1.14MB)
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