Lights out for Olveston as electric upgrade gets underway

Olveston will close to the public from July, and is expected to reopen by October once the project is complete. While some work can take place when the heritage protected building is open, Olveston will need to be fully closed – including access to the gardens – to complete the more complex work.

Work includes a complete upgrade of the main switchboard and submain cables, and the replacement of subcircuit cables, as well as general repair and maintenance of the outdated components as needed.

A recent assessment of the building found some of the electrical components have degraded over time posing a safety risk, and are in need of repair or replacement. The upgrade project will address these issues as a vital investment into the protection of the significant heritage building.

The upgrade also aligns with the DCC’s Arts and Culture Strategy, Spatial Plan, and Heritage Strategy, all of which emphasise the preservation and protection of Olveston’s interior and exterior.

The residence was first built for the Theomin family, and later gifted to the City of Dunedin in the 1960s by Dorothy Theomin, the daughter of the original owner, David Theomin, and one of its earliest occupiers. It is noted as being one the first private residences in Dunedin to have working electricity, which was originally generated using gas.

Now under the guardianship of the DCC, Olveston Historic Home is a valued tourist attraction, and its upkeep and maintenance is of high priority.

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