PHOTO: Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh. NEWSHUB
A large block of land in Lyall Bay, adjacent to a waterfront section already owned by Sir Peter Jackson and Dame Fran Walsh, has reportedly been purchased by the Hollywood couple.
The site, located between The Warehouse and Bunnings in Wellington, was initially intended for a new Metlink bus depot. However, the Greater Wellington Regional Council recently opted for an alternative location on the eastern edge of the airport runway.
Thomas Nash, head of the regional council’s transport committee, noted that the new location was more suitable but did not comment on the original Lyall Bay site.
According to multiple sources, Jackson has acquired a significant portion of the block. Most of the buildings on the site have been demolished, although some to the north are still in use. Residents in one remaining building confirmed it is slated for demolition.
Sections of land at Lyall Bay have already been cleared.
BRUCE MACKAY / The Post
In December, The Post revealed that Jackson and Walsh had purchased a block of land bordered by Lyall Parade, Kingsford Smith Street, McGregor Street, and Tirangi Road, which is believed to be the site of a long-planned film museum. Most of that site has already been leveled.
Attention has now shifted to the new, larger section immediately to the north, where rumors are circulating about the couple’s plans. The block comprises multiple property parcels, with some transactions marked as “pending.”
This acquisition adds to Jackson and Walsh’s expanding land portfolio, which recently included a large parcel at nearby Shelly Bay, where they opposed a mega-development planned by developer Ian Cassels.
Many potential sites have been proposed over the years for Jackson’s film museum. Previous plans at Shelly Bay and Wellington City Council’s Tākina conference center did not come to fruition.
Jackson’s office was approached for comment but has not responded.
SOURCE: THE POST