Corner eyesore to gain new lease on life.
THERE’s BEEN some movement around the old tyre service building on the corner of Maughan and Percy Streets, looked upon by locals as an eyesore.
Wellington historian Marie Hoffman researched the history of this site.
Back in November 2023 the Leader reported a development application with council for a 24-hour service station has been approved.
Plans included six fuel bowsers and a building housing retail merchandise and drive-thru.
It was reported the premises would be open 24 hours daily, seven days a week with nine car parking spaces also available.
IN THE Wellington Times Thursday 27th August, 1936 this article was published.
“Looking Backward” “At the corner of Percy and Maughan streets there used to be a store kept by Mr and Mrs Dan O’Connell, two old Irish people.
They could be very funny when they liked, but the old lady could be very peppery, and as she was boss, she used to keep the old man in his place.
They did a good trade among farmers.
After their death the old place was sold to the Shaws, and the store was closed and held as a private house.”
Since then it has been turned into a motor
garage. Bembrick Bros Wheat, Wool & Skin Buyers, A.W. Barnes Motor Garage.
WT 28.7.1918 A.W. Barnes, Barnes Garage.
WG 20.3.1919 A.W. Barnes Barnes Garage (Opposite Police Station)
1935 J.E. McKinnon Proprietor, Macs Motor Works, Bell River Bridge corner
1940 Mr. J.E. McKinnon Bell Bridge Motors (6 years previously)
Then Macs Motors, Arthur Street. (Principal and Founder)
1941 deceased.
1940 Mr. Darcy Walker, Bell Bridge Motors.
1946 Graham & Gregory owner Bell Bridge Motors (application to install petrol bowsers on footpath).
WT 4.8.1947 Bell Bridge Motors – McDowell Bros.
WT 9.1.1950 Bell Bridge Motors, Sale from R.J. and F.G. McDowell to Victor B and Albert (Bert) I. Varcoe.
WT 17.3.1967 Bell Bridge Motors
WT 29.9.1967 Bell Bridge Motors, 101 Percy St.
WT 9.12.1967 Agricultural Traders, (Bell Bridge Motors), Laurie Morgan
27.6.1973 Bell Bridge Auto Spares
30.6.1977 Wellington Datsun Centre, 101 Percy Street.
Val Gersbach purchased building – Tyre Service
2000 Bob and Donna Partington B & D Auto Electrics and Air Conditioning.
Eugene Spicer, Second hand goods.