Leaning control tower approved at Wellington Airport

Image: Studio Pacific Architecture

Consent has been granted for a new ‘leaning’ air traffic control tower at New Zealand’s Wellington Airport.

Image: Studio Pacific Architecture

Air Navigation Service Provider Airways New Zealand, has announced approval of a new air traffic control tower which appears to lean into Wellington’s prevailing northerly wind. The decision was granted by Wellington City Council late last month. In his conclusion, the consent hearing commissioner said he was satisfied that the necessity for a new tower had been established, and that in his view the tower had a modern and high quality design reflective of its context while also referencing the windy Wellington.

The new control tower will be 32 metres high and situated at the Wellington Airport retail shopping centre on Tirangi Road, Lyall Bay. It has been designed by Wellington-based architecture firm Studio of Pacific Architecture to be in keeping with both the existing and proposed future airport environment, and to meet necessary technical and operational requirements. Construction is expected to commence in January 2016.

Image: Studio Pacific Architecture

Airways’ Chief Operating Officer Pauline Lamb says the company is pleased at the council’s prompt decision to approve the building of a necessary piece of aviation infrastructure and a new landmark for Wellington.

“This will enable us to progress with the project as planned and in line with our investment programme. Our controllers will have a good view of the airfield from this new site, which is positioned to maximise efficient operations now and into the future.  We’re looking forward to getting the tower built and up and running,” says Ms Lamb.