Friday 11 March 2016

The Gaiety – better, stronger and opening soon

Earthquake repairs to The Gaiety ­– a popular heritage building, function centre and gathering place for the Akaroa community – have just been completed, in time for the official opening on Friday 1 April 2016.

"The date has a certain symmetry," says Banks Peninsula Councillor Andrew Turner, who will open the building alongside Mayor Lianne Dalziel. "The original opening of the hall, which started out as the Oddfellows Lodge, was 3 April in 1879.

"The Hall has a proud history in Akaroa, and its closure over the last five years has definitely been felt. The opening celebration, organised by the Friends of the Gaiety group, will also serve as a thank-you to the community for their patience.

"The journey has been challenging and rewarding, and the end result is a better, stronger Gaiety that will last for generations to come," he says.

Richie Moyle, Christchurch City Council's Heritage Rebuild Programme Manager, took a small group through on Thursday 10 March, and says it was a pleasure to see members of the local community have the chance to explore the freshly-completed building.

"The general response was delight – particularly when everyone got to see the extent and quality of the repairs and strengthening," Mr Moyle says. "It's as beautiful as ever, but now it has the added bonus of real structural strength. If Akaroa ever felt a strong shake, The Gaiety is where I'd want to be."

For more information on the Council's Facilities Rebuild programme, please visit www.futurechristchurch.co.nz

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