Scaffolding covers council’s HQ
A massive exo-skeleton of scaffolding has grown up around New Plymouth District Council’s HQ as a $1m reroofing project gathers pace.
The metal cage has been growing in size around the civic centre for some time and last night a crane was used to lift a steel triangle over the roof of the Liardet St building.
But 22 years after then-Prime Minister Jim Bolger officially opened the site, which had been under construction since 1987, the roof on its south wing is being replaced.
It has passed its lifespan, chief financial officer Alan Bird said in a statement.
‘‘With the scaffolding in place, it’s a timely opportunity to carry out other maintenance work such as painting the building.
‘‘We’ll be able to save money on the painting work as we won’t have to put up the scaffolding again.’’
The council has planned to use approximately $1 million from its maintenance budget to complete the work. Last year, the council spent more than $1.8 million on the inside of the civic centre.
The revamp included a new kitchen for the cafe, a designer carpet featuring an abstract interpretation of Mt Taranaki, earthquake strengthening, energy efficiency and creating an open-plan first floor.