Last November a public meeting was held to discuss the future of the Town Hall which inspections by building engineers have revealed to be an earthquake risk. Four options, with each’s financial ramification were discussed at the meeting.
The process to reaching a decision takes the next step with the inviting written submissions on resident’s preferences of the four options on the table – or any other ideas they may have.
Currently four options are for discussion:
(1) Earthquake the existing hall to comply with modern standards.
(2) Demolish the existing hall except for the front façade. Take down the Proscenium Arch that frames the stage. Build a new hall with a similar floor area and functuality with the retained facade and recovered Proscenium Arch.
(3) Demolish the Hall and build a new one with similar floor area and functuality.
(4) Demolish the Hall and do not rebuild it.
A Conservation Plan for the hall has been completed by architect David Kernohan who recommends that ‘the building be repaired, strengthened structurally, maintained, refurbished and conserved essentially ‘as is where is’ while being adopted to provide facilities both for traditional and contemporary activities’. Obviously this is the most expensive of the options.
Submissions close on Friday 17th February and submission papers have been delivered to ratepayers. There is an important decision to be made here – do make an effort to have your say. For anybody has not received a submission paper there are spares available at the District Council office or the library.
