Essential work begins on hall, library
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Essential works to upgrade and strengthen the Helensville War Memorial Hall and Library have begun.
Located in the heart of Helensville, the building is part of a larger complex including the art centre, Kaipara Memorial RSA and Plunket.
A comprehensive work programme will address weathertightness issues, upgrade lighting and airconditioning systems and improve the seismic resilience of the complex.
The hall and the RSA building were deemed in need of strengthening to bring the earthquake risk down to an acceptable level as part of detailed seismic assessments undertaken last year.
Funded by Rodney Local Board and the council’s regional seismic strengthening programme, the project is one of four seismic pilot projects the council is undertaking.
Rodney Local Board chairperson Phelan Pirrie says the upgrade is essential because the work will future-proof the facility and enable it to meet the needs of the Helensville community.
The work programme runs through to the end of February and will result in the partial closure of the complex at certain times:
Helensville War Memorial Hall and meeting rooms will be closed for the duration of the works. Council staff are working with hall hirers to relocate several bookings to other venues
With the Kaipara RSA expected to be closed from November to February, there will be support during the renovation
The art centre, library and service centre, and Plunket, will all continue to operate but may need to close for short periods when certain works take place. The art centre’s exhibition and school holiday programmes will continue in October.
Auckland Council’s general manager of parks and community facilities Taryn Crewe says the building was due for an upgrade and the essential works will ensure it remains fit for purpose into the future.
‘‘The Helensville War
Memorial Hall and Library offer many services and spaces that help contribute to a real sense of community.
‘‘This work programme involves significant long-term improvements to the building to ensure our communities can continue to use it for a range of social, cultural, art and recreational activities.
‘‘Stakeholders have been briefed on the construction timeline and will be getting regular updates on progress, which includes a fortnightly project meeting with the contractor.
‘‘We understand that these works will bring some disruption to the community and others who use this site, and we thank the Helensville community for its patience as the works progress. We look forward to delivering an improved facility that will serve the community well into the future.’’
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