Basin Reserve Old Pavilion (Museum Stand)

Located at New Zealand’s most historic cricket ground, the Old Pavilion is a focal point at the Basin Reserve. Silvester Clark was involved in the strengthening and refurbishment of the 100-year-old grandstand. The building is registered as a Category 2 historic place and was closed in 2012 due to seismic concerns.

The aim of this project was to provide improved resilience and add functionality to the building within a tight budget. The lower-level museum space and first floor were transformed to provide improved exhibition space and new offices for Cricket Wellington. The viewing area has been completely modernised where roof/façade features have been installed alongside the new plastic seating.

The structural strengthening features included a steel cross-braced roof diaphragm to 100%NBS seismic loads with replacement columns along the sides and front of the viewing area. Nominally ductile reinforced concrete elements were connected to the existing frames such as columns/spandrels to the rear elevation, sprayed concrete shear walls, and footing extensions with ground anchors at the far corners. Various other architectural elements were appointed to complete the restoration project. The Museum Stand is once again a premier facility for the future of the Basin Reserve.