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The Warkworth Town Hall, fondly dubbed the grand old lady, will re-open its doors next month to reveal a long-awaited makeover.
The Grand Opening of the restored 105-year-old building has been set for Saturday February 25, four years after the heritage hall was closed following structural safety concerns. The $5.6 million restoration started in June 2015.
Community, cultural and performance groups will celebrate the opening with a day-long, continuous variety showcase.
Grand Opening team member Glennys Oliver says they want as many local groups as possible to celebrate having a town hall again to showcase talent in the region.
“It’s going to be such a wonderful venue. It’s not just a renovation – she looks so new and dressed to kill,” Glennys says. “Arts and culture have come back to the town hall, hopefully for another 100 years.”
The hall is a Category 1 heritage building with the NZ Historic Places Trust, recognising its now-rare hollow stoneware block construction and significance in the social history of Warkworth.
Matthews & Matthews Architects and CANAM Construction have recycled, replicated and exposed historical and architectural features to enhance the history. The completed hall will cater for 350 people sitting, with 50 of those seats in the upper gallery. Along with a strengthened building, it will have a new roof, refreshed bathrooms and increased accessibility.
Auckland Council is funding $4.3 million of the project, while the Rodney Local Board has given $1.2 million. The Warkworth Town Hall Restoration Trust will cover $600,000 of the Local Board’s contribution with the help of a $300,000 Lottery grant.
In addition, the Trust will fund the $75,000 required to build a new kitchen.
The Trust has fundraised in the community with a fashion show, film competitions, raffles, a heritage evening, movie afternoons, halloween parties and donation boxes around town.
It is also organising the Grand Opening. So far local singer-song writer LouLou and students from the Talbot Dance Academy are two of a number of artists, musical and cultural groups performing. Table 19 Catering will provide food and drink for purchase, and Council is arranging a dawn blessing.
Info: Community groups wanting to participate can contact Glennys Oliver on 0274 438 026.
