Community hall up for auction
The Matatoki Hall, once a place for school children, badminton players and ballroom dancers, has been put on the market.
The declining use of the hall over the past few years has led to an auction on Tuesday, July 23, deciding its fate.
Matatoki Hall Society chairman Dane Brett said it was a sad state of affairs for residents who remember turning up to the historic building to watch projection films or school productions, but admitted the hall’s upkeep took a lot of work and money.
‘‘It’s history but it’s starting to disappear,’’ he said.
‘‘Because the general use of the hall now is virtually nil, one of the main reasons we’re selling is because we don’t have the number of people willing to do the upkeep. It’s a lot work and unfortunately, there’s a lot of money involved.’’
Built in 1904, the hall, along State Highway 26 near Thames, was a hub for community events.
It sits on a 607sqm section and its capital value in 2017 was $147,000.
An incorporated society is in charge of running the hall, and proceeds from its sale will go back into the community.
‘‘To me, there is a lot of potential here for someone who loves this style of building,’’ Brett said.
‘‘And realistically, we’re trying to get as good a price as we can because the more money we can raise, the more gets allocated to local charities, the Puriri Fire Brigade, and Matatoki School.’’
Bayleys Real Estate’s Glenn Tanner said there had been quite a bit of interest in the old hall.
‘‘I guess it’s the kind of proposition that isn’t often available to the market.
‘‘It has been very interesting listening to people’s future plans for the old building and site; anything from a future home to an art studio and almost everything in between.
‘‘I certainly will keep a keen interest in the transformation from what is there now to the new owner’s future use,’’ he said.
■ The final open home is on Saturday at 2.30pm, with the auction taking place on site at 1.30pm, Tuesday, July
23.