In July 1997 ships timbers were found under the 1880's Old Bank & Chambers complex in central Wellington during restoration. The timbers were the bilges of the 1848 Nova Scotia built wooden sailing ship the Inconstant that was beached during early colonial development and converted to a Warehouse and wharf.

Some 40 tonnes of remains representing four fifths of the lower part of the vessel have been extracted for preservation off site. These are being readied for relocation to a central inner harbour conservation and public display facility now in design.

The fifth part of the ship, the bow section, remains in situ under the floor of the now restored Old Bank complex. A glass floor and showcase has been placed over the bow. Conservation fluids are added and removed from the bow enclosure on a regular basis to facilitate public viewing. It is possible that this conservation of a large ship section [estimated at four tonnes] in its original location under a mid city building is unique. Funding from Wellington City Council and the Lotteries Grants Board have made possible the preservation of the oldest remnants of colonial Wellington.
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