Council looking for people to develop courthouse
The Horowhenua District Council is looking for someone to develop the historic courthouse in Levin.
The 1903 courthouse has a floor area of 152 square metres and is constructed of matai and totara, weatherboard cladding and a corrugated iron roof.
It was originally on Bristol St and wasmoved to Cambridge St in Levin’s town centre when it was gifted to the council by the Department of Corrections in 2007.
Council parks and property spokeswoman Ann Clark said the council was open to proposals that would add interest and value to Levin’s town centre.
Major renovations were undertaken in 1969, which removed many of the original internal features.
However, the exterior and floor layout were largely original, with small modifications to the front entrance.
Renovations were carried out in 2009, including structural repairs, upgrading the interior, reinstating windows to their original position, and rebuilding the western wall and part of the ceiling.
The surrounding green space was upgraded at the same time, creating the Nola Simpson Rose Gardens.
Clark said the courthouse was part of Levin’s heritage and was highly valued by the community, so proposals would need to retain the outward appearance of the building.
The building and garden are managed by the council, and it would remain responsible for asset management.
Expressions of interest close at 4pm on Friday January 22. Further information and documents are available on the council’s website.