HH-33: Water Tower - Prospect Avenue

Location and Zoning Information

Address

Prospect Avenue , Tirau

Current Owner

NZ Rail

Legal Description

30684 30690 30691 30692 on LO 30626/1

Zoning

Designated “Railway”

Valuation Number

N/A

Google Maps Link

Lat:-37.977061, Long:175.762032

Architecture

Date of Construction

1885 - 1886

Materials

Two storey. Cylinder. Brick.

Architecture/Engineer/Builder

Architect: Unknown; Engineer: James Stewart; Builder: Daniell Fullon.

Condition

Good. The tower is essential infrastructure to the private railway. Tower is of robust construction in comparison to towers associated with public railway. (HNZPT)

Original Site Recommendation

HNZPT Ref: 4230. Heritage Advisor HNZPT.

Current Use

Railway Water tower - disused (HNZPT)

Statement of Significance

(1 Historical) - reflects important or representative aspects of South Waikato history, 1885-1886, transportation and rail history in South Waikato. Dates from periods of early settlement in South Waikato, (6 Educational) - has the potential to provide knowledge and educate public about history of South Waikato and New Zealand. Potential heritage trail/school programme use; transportation, railways in the South Waikato. (7 Archaeology, pre 1900) -  the site is protected under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014, has the potential through archaeological investigation to provide information about NZ and the South Waikato history. (10 Architectural) - design - attention to detail even though utilitarian structure.  (11 Context) - forms part of a wider historical and cultural complex - one of three in South Waikato District on same line. (12 Rarity) - it is a rare type of historic place, only a few 1880's railway water towers remain in NZ.  (13 Integrity) - has a good level of integrity, structure is not compromised by additions.

District Plan Rules

Demolition -DIS.  Protection focus - 1, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12 and 13. Mitigate the effects of demolition by requiring the applicant to provide Historical Building Documentation (HBD) which should include: the structure history, photographic documentation, and measurements of the item prior to removal.

Visual aspects to consider that relate to history, landscape/landmark value.

Alterations necessary for the primary purpose of improving structural performance, fire safety or physical access – CON -Refer to HH-R2.  Other Additions/Alterations - DIS.  Protection focus - 1, 6, 10, 12 and 13. Effects can be mitigated/remedied through; a) HBD - See mitigating the effects of demolition. b) Design Rules: 1.The overall visual character/shape of the original building should be identifiable. The addition should not dominate the existing building. 2. New work should be restricted to the rear of the building and not be evident from the road frontage. 3. The following special elements that are associated with the rarity or architectural uniqueness or craftsmanship of the structure should be retained: Those elements associated with the structures historic character, use, rarity, landmark values, craftsmanship and any other special elements identified in the HBD. c) Building materials rule: If repair of the buildings is proposed the materials used for the exterior walls and elements should be similar in type, dimensions and profile as the existing fabric of the building.

Repair of the Structure - PER. Refer to HH-R1.  Protection focus - 1, 6, 10, 12 and 13. Building Materials Rule: If repair of the buildings is proposed the materials used for the exterior walls and elements should be similar in type, dimensions and profile as the existing exterior fabric of building. Design rule: Repair or replication work should match the existing design and profile of element.

Re-use/Change of Use - PER. Refer to HH-R1. Protection focus - 1, 6, 12 and 13.

Internal - DIS - has room under, should not be compromised especially ceiling which is shaped underside of well.

Disturbance of the site surface/earthworks - Note: Any place that was associated with human activity prior to 1900 and is able to provide evidence relating to the history of New Zealand is an 'archaeological site' (refer to definition of 'archaeological site' in Section 2 of the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014). All archaeological sites are protected under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act 2014 and approval from Heritage New Zealand must be obtained prior to destroying, damaging or modifying any site.  Accordingly, where this site on which a building is located is an 'archaeological site' and the building is to be repaired, added to, relocated or demolished and this involves disturbance to the surface and/or subsurface of the site, approval from Heritage New Zealand is required.

Relocation - DIS

History

Originally constructed for the Thames Valley & Rotorua Railway Company to serve as a water storage tower.  It is very similar in style to the water towers in Lichfield and Ngatira. (HNZPT).