An abandoned eyesore in central Wellington lives again

Wellington City Council recommended the heritage listing of the ramshackle Gordon Wilson Flats be removed, to make way for new development.

But RMA Minister Chris Bishop's rejected the move, saying he doesn't have the legal tools to de-list the building.

Victoria University owns the building, which has sat empty on The Terrace for more than a decade, and says it's disappointed in the Minister's decision.

The university wants to build new student accommodation on the site, and is now reconsidering its options.