More than 800 people have say on the future of 125 Grey Street

Published on 27 June 2025

Complex of cream and terracotta brick buildings with chapel shown at right. In the foregound is a green grass lawn and in the background is blue sky.

More than 800 people have shared their views on what should happen to the property at 125 Grey Street, the former site of St George’s School.

Whanganui District Council asked the community for feedback on the site because of the poor state of the buildings, including earthquake-prone and asbestos issues. The community survey closed on Sunday, 15 June.

Mayor Andrew Tripe says the council is grateful that so many people responded to the call for feedback.

“A big thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts. Whanganui’s identity is built around the awa, arts and creative and heritage and it’s important we think carefully about this, alongside a compelling case from health organisation Te Oranganui to use the site.

“The council has to weigh up a lot of factors – heritage, cost, future use, and health and safety. The survey results will help guide our decision,” says Mayor Andrew.

Council Chief Strategy Officer, Sarah O’Hagan, says the buildings on site hold strong memories for many locals.

“We heard from 821 people through the survey, which shows just how much interest there is in the future of this site,” Sarah O’Hagan says.

There are a number of options to deal with the buildings, ranging from leaving them as is, fully restoring the buildings, or demolishing the buildings.

 Of the 821 respondents, only 1.5 percent said the council should do nothing – a clear message that the community wants action, Sarah O’Hagan says.

Other results were:

  • 51 percent supported deconstructing the buildings and leasing the site to a private developer. Many saw this as a practical way to move forward, with several backing a recently announced proposal by Te Oranganui for a wellness hub on the site
  • 11 percent wanted to sell the land outright to a private developer
  • 4 percent favoured deconstructing the buildings but keeping the site in Council ownership for future use
  • 22 percent wanted to retain and refurbish the buildings. Although this could cost up to $12 million, many saw the buildings as culturally and historically important and suggested new uses – such as a hotel, gallery, or community hub
  • 10 percent had other ideas – specifying potential uses of the sites such as public gardens, co-working spaces or mixed-use precincts.

As well as the survey, a petition from the Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust was presented to the council meeting on Thursday, 26 June. The petition asked for the heritage buildings not to be demolished and that the council explores all other options for future use to ensure the buildings are retained.

Mayor Andrew says all feedback will be considered when the council decides on the site’s future.

This is scheduled for the full council meeting on Tuesday, 15 July.

Tagged as:
Back to top