The Lambton Quay tower was designed by Stephenson & Turner as an investment property, responding strategically to the city ordinances of the time. By maximising plot ratio, shape, and height allowances, the design set new benchmarks for commercial development in Wellington’s CBD. 

Originally serving as the head office for the Bank of New South Wales, the building continues to operate as a central financial hub. Westpac Bank remains the anchor tenant, demonstrating the building’s enduring relevance more than fifty years later. 

Situated on Wellington’s steep hillside, where Lambton Harbour once met The Terrace, the tower was designed to provide dual-level access—a smart response to the city’s distinctive topography. 

To enhance natural daylight along Lambton Quay, the building is set back from its neighbours, with podium levels stepping back at the second and fifth floors. This thoughtful approach improves light penetration in one of Wellington’s busiest commercial districts, while maintaining visual harmony with the historic streetscape. 

The tower’s vertical emphasis is defined by a rhythm of closely spaced, elegant columns—inspired by the original World Trade Centre in New York. At the time of its completion, it was a dominant architectural feature at the southern end of Lambton Quay, marking a significant step forward in the capital’s urban development. 

Today, it stands proudly alongside another Stephenson & Turner icon—the AEO Centre—together forming part of Wellington’s distinctive cityscape. 

As one of Wellington’s oldest and most respected architectural firms, Stephenson & Turner has played a pivotal role in shaping the skyline and character of the city for over a century. Projects like this tower reflect our commitment to design excellence, urban innovation, and a lasting architectural legacy that continues to define Wellington’s built environment. 

Explore more of our historic architecture projects and discover how Stephenson & Turner continues to shape Aotearoa’s built environment.