High on the hillside overlooking Seatoun stands Our Lady of the Star of the Sea Convent Chapel. This chapel has a fascinating story. It involves earthquakes, film directors and a whole lot of steel.
Our Lady of the Star of the Sea Convent Chapel was built in 1924. It served as a Catholic chapel for many years. Sadly, in 2002, earthquake concerns forced its closure. The building was deemed unsafe. Its future hung in the balance.
Enter Sir Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh. These famous film-makers bought Our Lady of the Star of the Sea Convent Chapel in 2007. They saw potential in the old chapel. They decided to restore it.
The restoration was no small feat. Project manager Vince Visser described the work in Heritage magazine. He said Our Lady of the Star of the Sea Convent Chapel now has so much new steel and concrete that it is up to 100 per cent of the building code. That is quite an achievement.
The chapel’s appearance has changed. All but one row of pews were removed. It now looks more like a function center than a church. Yet, its historic charm remains.
Our Lady of the Star of the Sea Convent Chapel stands stronger than ever. It is a testament to its history. It is also a symbol of Wellington’s resilience. So next time you are in Seatoun, take a look at Our Lady of the Star of the Sea Convent Chapel. It is a unique part of Wellington’s heritage. It’s been lovingly restored by some of New Zealand’s most famous residents.