Historic hall may have to close
Building only community facility in Te Horo and the Civil Defence hub
The historic Te Horo Hall is at risk of closing. The community hall has been deemed earthquake prone and unless strengthened by 2034, it will have to close.
It’s the only Te Horo community facility, and is also the Civil Defence Emergency Hub for Te Horo.
Te Horo residents have recently received a flyer seeking their views on the future of the hall.
The hall committee has an engineering plan and cost estimates for quake strengthening.
“While some funds have been raised, strengthening would require significant additional funding,” Te Horo Hall committee secretary Judy Wood said.
“The committee believes community backing will help funding applications, so now is the time to voice your support.”
Built in 1914 with local labour on land donated by local farmers, the hall has been a valued community asset for over 100 years.
“Servicemen departing for World War I and World War II were farewelled from the hall.
“Today events include monthly drinks, family gatherings, weddings, funerals, training, markets, fundraising, exercise classes and sporting events,” she said.
The flyer includes options for the future including:
Either: undertake earthquake strengthening to ensure continued use of the hall beyond 2034, plus other improvements over time as funds allow.
This will require significant additional funding.
Or: continue hall maintenance plus modest improvements (eg painting and a kitchen upgrade) using existing funds.
Under this option the hall will close in or before 2034.
Anyone can answer the survey questions online using the link on the Te Horo Hall Facebook page — or complete and return the flyer.
The survey is open until Sunday, June 18.