Gordon Wilson Memorial Flats

This unique example of social housing is under threat. Named after former government architect Gordon Wilson, the flats were completed in the 1950s. They have been sold by the Housing Department to Victoria University of Wellington which having earmarked the building for demolition, sought to have its heritage listing under the Wellington District Plan removed.

The application was opposed by the Architecture Centre who argued they have heritage value as a rare example in New Zealand of maisonette planning (a la Corb's Unité d'habitation via the London County Council (LCC) flats).

The LCC flats (which Gordon Wilson flats were modelled upon) were designed by Robert Matthew - the architect for NZ House in London, which Gordon Wilson was also involved in as NZ Government Architect. One set of the Grey's Ave flats in Auckland are a sister building.

In August 2017, in a split decision, the Environment Court ruled that Wellington’s Gordon Wilson Flats have significant heritage value – architecturally, socially and technically – and should not be removed from the Council’s heritage list.

Architect Roger Walker has listed the Gordon Wilson Flats as one of his favourite modernist buildings.

The future of the building remains uncertain.