Background and History

Since the establishment of Victoria College the student body has recognised the very great need for recreation and a corporate existence. In 1907 a gymnasium was planned and in 1909 it was built very considerably from funds provided by students and graduates. That building, which now stands above the tennis courts, can no longer provide for our requirements.

In 1929 the first meetings were called to give consideration to a new building which would include rooms for club meetings and functions. But it was not until 1936 that the first plans were prepared for a four-storey building which provided for a gymnasium, men's and women's common rooms and cloak rooms, lounge, committee rooms, Executive rooms, office, cafeteria and hall.

The second World War prevented any progress until 1946 when the Government of the day agreed to certain subsidies for a student building.

Three years later, in 1949, an appeal was made to the citizens of Wellington and £10,000 was received and credited to an account which had been open for some time. Again in 1953 the Association and the University Council sought an architect to prepare sketch plans and the Structon Group was appointed.