Work to secure the future of Pukekohe War Memorial Town Hall will begin next month.
Franklin Local Board has earmarked $1.89 million in unallocated budget to the hall’s refurbishment so a contractor can be engaged.
Board chair Angela Fulljames says the board had already allocated a little over $5 million from Local Renewal and Seismic Strengthening funding.
“The building was found to be earthquake-prone in a seismic assessment in the 2021 financial year. Its condition has been assessed since, with important renewal components such as roofing and interior refurbishments added.”
The completed hall in 1958.
Board deputy chair Alan Cole says the move completes the funding and ends the ‘back and forth’ that has been going on.
“We need to acknowledge the co-operation of the RSA throughout a difficult time, especially around Anzac commemorations. A willingness to compromise has been vital to getting to this point, and I’m sure they and other user groups will be delighted we can start.”
The buildings within the Pukekohe War Memorial Town Hall footprint also act as venues for hire.
The renewal works will ensure they continue to meet community needs into the future.
Board member Andrew Kay says the building opened in 1958 after being publicly funded. “That tells you how important it was to this community, and our commitment acknowledges that.”
A big crowd gathered at the opening of the hall, which had been funded by public subscriptions.
Fulljames says seismic strengthening work will be managed alongside renewals to reduce disruption and help with costs.
“The budget required to deliver the works is $6.19 million, so our latest move ensures full funding is in place. Awarding a contract locks the pricing in. The last thing we wanted was increases while we tried to fund the shortfall.”
The seismic upgrade includes extensive roof support works, sub-floor bracing, replacing sections of brick walls with reinforced concrete, piling work to seven metres, steel reinforcement to the front façade, additional steel frame support in the RSA storage area, relining RSA bathrooms, office and lobby spaces, and gutters, rainwater heads and downpipes.
Renewal work includes new roofing, converting the external west porch to internal lobby space, refurbishing existing wooden, steel and aluminium window and door joinery, asbestos removal, lighting upgrades and fire protection.
A grand Debutante's Ball was held to celebrate the hall's opening. Historic pictures provided courtesy of Auckland Library Heritage Pictures Collection.
There will also be a full interior refurbishment including new wall panelling and ceilings, carpets, a new colour scheme, revarnished floors, refreshed paint and upgraded bathrooms.
The work is expected to take 13 months.
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