Deco delights

File under: waterfront, architecture, Wellington

The development of Chaffers Dock may be dragging on interminably (the ground floor shops and public area have been "just about to open" since last year), but there's recently been a very welcome little bit of progress. The long-promised public viewing platform on the roof is finally open, and it provides wonderful elevated views of the harbour, city and Waitangi Park.

At the moment, there's still a bit of construction work going on, so until all the signage is ready in a few weeks' time you'll have to find your own way, and the final door to the roof was locked when I visited at lunchtime today. Nevertheless, I was able to take a few good photos of the harbour and park, and the lift lobby and glorious staircase of Edmund Anscombe's most significant Wellington building are worth it in their own right.

To reach the top, enter through the doors at the southeast corner of the building (beneath the "cascade") between 9am and 3pm and take the lift to the fifth floor. From there, find the stairs going up to the roof, and even if the last door is closed, you'll get some great views through the windows.