Demolition worries historian
Last week’s demolition of the 93-year-old Foxton Service Centre has left local historian Tony Hunt apprehensive about the future of another historic building.
“My biggest fear after seeing the demolition of the service centre is what might happen to our court house museum building. Although we have been seeking information on this building’s future, little has come forth.
“There are promises that this might occur in the new year, but some of the recent actions of the district council make me feel very apprehensive about the future of the building,” Mr Hunt said.
Mr Hunt said the service centre had been flagged for demolition in the plans for the Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom centre, but he was unaware of any notice being given before it was knocked down by Horowhenua District Council contractors.
“The recent destruction came despite protests from some members of the Community Board and other citizens. Although there were questions regarding its earthquake strength I feel more open discussions of its value should have been held.”
Mr Hunt said he did not know what was in the building when it was demolished as his historical society had not been not consulted.
“Some things were kept but we don’t know what they are,” he said.
Horowhenua District Council chief executive David Clapperton said council removed everything from the building including “documents and other items and historical artifacts”, now in council storage.
A video on Facebook shows documents lying in the demolished rubble of the building.
Council described them as random pieces of paper and said all official documents were removed.
Mr Clapperton said council and the Foxton Community Board approved a decision to demolish the building after a seismic review showed it could collapse during a moderate earthquake.
“Unsafe and unsalvageable, the building had been closed to the public for the past three years,” he said.
“Looking positively, the removal of it [building] has really opened up the view towards deMolen windmill and showcases what an asset this iconic building is to Horowhenua.”
Responding to Mr Hunt’s concerns over the courthouse museum, Mr Clapperton said council was preparing a District Plan change that aimed to increase the number of listed heritage buildings, structures and sites.
The courthouse museum was nominated earlier this year to be considered for inclusion in the plan change.
The proposed change was due to be approved for public notification and, if approved, the public would be invited to submit in support, or not, of the buildings, structures and sites proposed for inclusion.
Mr Clapperton said the Foxton Service Centre was not District Plan-listed and not nominated as part of the public process earlier this year.