Restoration to begin on Hanmer’s historic Soldiers Block
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Restoration of an iconic Hanmer Springs building is another step closer after a local contractor was selected for the work, with the aim of boosting local employment.
O’Brien Construction has won the contract to restore the historic Soldiers’ Block in the Queen Mary Historic Reserve, as part of a $3.5 million redevelopment.
The contract is to restore and earthquake strengthen the building.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said he was pleased the contract has been won by a local business.
‘‘It is good to see these types of projects won locally as the money stays in the local economy and local people are employed.
‘‘To be able to bring it (Soldiers’ Block) back to life will be something quite special.’’
O’Brien Construction has previously worked on large projects with the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa.
Dobbie said work is expected to begin by the end of the month and is likely to take 12 months.
The Soldiers’ Block was opened in 1916 to rehabilitate soldiers returning from World War I, and was later used as a drug and alcohol treatment facility.
Hanmer Springs Community Board chairperson Mary Holloway said the town was ‘‘really excited’’ progress was finally being made, after the Queen Mary Historic Reserve was vested in the council back in 2010.
‘‘Having the project under way is going to be a huge boon for Hanmer and for the hospital site to be the beating heart of the village again will be pretty special.
‘‘Eventually it will be Hanmer’s Hagley Park.’’
Hanmer Springs-based councillor Tom Davies said the project will breathe new life into the reserve.
‘‘It is great for Hanmer, Hurunui and New Zealand that buildings of such significance are both preserved and brought back to a useful purpose.’’
The $3.5 million project is being funded by a Lotteries grant, $1.5m from the Government’s Better Off funding, development contributions and a grant from the council’s Earthquake Prone Buildings Fund.
Other proposed developments on the site included plans for Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura to build a wharenui on the site.
A 2022 report, prepared as part of a concept plan developed by Weta Workshop of Wellington, says Hanmer Springs was known as Te Whaka takaka o te karehu o te ahi a Tamatea (the resting place of the embers of the fires of Tamatea).
The thermal reserve was recognised as a place of regeneration and healing, making it a sacred place for Ngāti Kurī.
Plans are being developed to turn the Soldiers’ Block into a museum, which will require a further $5m to be raised.
The council is also proposing to build a new sports pavilion on the site and has budgeted $400,000 in its long-term plan.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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New Amberley cricket ground gets green light
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley is set to get a new cricket ground, despite some community opposition.
The Hurunui District Council approved plans to allow the development of the Amberley Village Green (formerly Eastern Reserve), to the east of the town centre, which will include a cricket ground, at a council meeting on Tuesday, November 26.
Around 120 submissions favoured the development of recreation in the reserve over a cricket ground, during the council’s recent reserve management plan consultation.
At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors approved a plan to install an irrigation system, with water sourced from a submersible bore pump.
Staff have been authorised to tender for the development of a playing surface, excluding the wicket block which will be developed by the Amberley Cricket Club.
A pathway around the perimeter of the reserve and public toilets will also be developed.
A cricket ground was first mooted for the reserve a decade ago when the land was set aside by the developer.
A budget of about $900,000 has been set aside, with 90% from development contributions.
An updated concept plan tabled at the meeting makes provision for other sports and activities such as basketball, a scooter track, a playground and car parking.
Several councillors expressed reservations about the proposed size of the cricket ground.
Councillor Garry Jackson said proposed the cricket ground was close to international standard and could be reduced by 20 percent and still be ‘‘appropriate as a village green club cricket ground’’.
While she acknowledged Jackson’s concerns, councillor Pauline While said the council needed to move forward, and councillor Fiona Harris said the cricket club had been ‘‘patient for long enough’’.
Councillor Robbie Bruerton said ‘‘it is being talked about as if it is only going to be used for cricket, but it can by used for any sport’’.
Councillor Vanessa McPherson voted against the proposal as she said the process had been ‘‘undemocratic’’ in the beginning.
‘‘I am concerned there is not enough funds for a decent children’s playground. I am angry and frustrated by this. It is so unfair.’’
Earlier in the meeting Amberley ratepayer John Weyers urged councillors to vote against establishing another cricket ground.
He said cricket is already being played at the Amberley Domain and ‘‘there is no reason why cricket and football cannot co-exist’’.
While there had been a dispute between the cricket and football clubs, he believed it has now been resolved.
‘‘Amberley is growing and we have an ageing population and a growing number of young families, but we are lacking spaces for recreation.’’
Councillors noted there has been confusion about the name of the new reserve, between the Village Green and the Eastern Reserve.
Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said ‘‘Village Green’’ was the name put forward by the council’s south ward committee.
Dobbie said the council’s reserve management plan will be presented to councillors at a future meeting for adoption.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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