Heritage preservation work has begun at the Hall of Memories at Hastings Library this week, with replica moulds being made of two exterior heritage features, part of ongoing conservation activities to protect the war memorial.
The work is being carried out ahead of further earthquake strengthening in the Hall of Memories which is due to start mid-February.
The war memorial section at the front of the library was dedicated in the 1950s to honour those who served and died in World War 2.
A nationally significant heritage space, regular preservation work has been undertaken over the years to ensure its longevity and accessibility now and into the future.
At the same time the library’s fire systems will be replaced as part of the Building Consent requirements, and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system will be replaced as the current one no longer functions efficiently.
Hastings Mayor, Wendy Schollum said the project focused on protecting people, the building and the irreplaceable elements of the memorial hall, including the mural painted in 1959 by nationally renowned war artist Peter McIntyre, two etched glass windows, and a large engraved marble rock.
“As stewards of this irreplaceable memorial and as providers of a safe, accessible library service for our community this work is needed,” the Mayor said.
“It’s been planned and budgeted for as part of our overall programme of asset maintenance that ensures Council-run facilities are safe, sustainable and fit-for-purpose.
“It’s important we get on with this work now, as delaying it puts people and the heritage elements at risk.”
The cost of the project is $1.5 million, and includes partially removing the floor inside the Hall of Memories to enable the strengthening of the foundations; strengthening the three-storey wall between the hall and the main library, including filling the wall and applying high-performance concrete on the library side of it; and replacing the end-of-life HVAC and fire systems.
Hastings District Council says strengthening of the remainder of the library building will be considered at a future date, once upcoming legislative reviews of the Building Act 1997 are completed and funding decisions made.
The current work is expected to take about nine months to complete, with access to the library during that time via the east entrance from the library car park.
Council says noise and vibration will be noticeable, particularly during the first 12 weeks while the concrete floor is carefully removed to avoid damaging the mural. There may be a short-term full library closure with dates to be confirmed.
