A proposal to turn the historic Gibbes Watson conservatory in Lower Hutt into an open air pavilion suitable for events could save it.

The conservatory, in Myrtle St, had been the home to a showcase of New Zealand ferns but was mothballed as it deteriorated and consideration given for demolition, which led to efforts to save it.

A joint initiative between the Hutt City Council and Hutt Rotary clubs aims to preserve it and turn the conservatory into a space that could be used for weddings, funerals, markets and cultural events.

The council had said significant work was required to keep Gibbes Watson Conservatory operational. The equipment needed to maintain a true conservatory environment or hot house had not been functional for a considerable amount of time.

It said the displays in the conservatory were limited, diminishing the value and the costs associated with repairing and maintaining it exceeded its usage and benefits to the community.

The Rotary Clubs engaged with Victoria University School of Architecture’s 3rd-year architecture programme to explore opportunities.

A proposal to remove the glass from the Gibbes Watson glasshouse and retain the structure as an open-air pavilion has shown promise. The pavilion could accommodate up to 150 people.