Lower Hutt Events Centre and Town Hall opening 14 July 2018

The wraps are off, the scaffolding is down and soon people will be able to see inside Lower Hutt’s new Events Centre and refurbished Town Hall.

The Events Centre and Town Hall will officially be opened on Saturday 14 July by Lower Hutt Mayor, Ray Wallace and Deputy Mayor David Bassett, Chair of the Civic Precinct Steering Group.

“The Lower Hutt Events Centre project, which includes an upgrade of the existing Town Hall, will boost the local economy and add to a suite of facilities across the city to cater for a range of community needs. It’s one of the key projects in Council’s Economic Development Plan which will add vibrancy to the Civic Precinct by attracting events and conferences,” Deputy Mayor Bassett says.

It’s early days but there are already more than 30 bookings for events including multi-day conferences, dinners for 400+ people, college balls, a quilter’s show, and a travel expo.

“As we get closer to the opening, awareness is growing. We’ve had enquiries from corporates and Government departments about workshops and conferences. We’ve got a convention with 400 people who have booked accommodation in Lower Hutt for four nights,” says Shelley Bascand, Business Development Manager for the Lower Hutt Events Centre.

The Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (WREDA) says the Events Centre will be a welcome addition to Wellington. “It’ll not only give the local economy a significant boost but also provide a unique experience for users who’ll get a taste of Lower Hutt and all it has to offer. It’s a welcome addition to Wellington’s venues market,” says David Perks, WREDA’s Venues, Marketing and Destination Development General Manager.

The Civic Precinct’s garden setting will be a real drawcard for users of the new complex with direct access through the Events Centre atrium.

“The garden is going to be very horticulturally rich and eventually 5000 new plants (160 species) will be planted in 30 garden beds. We have a range of conditions which enables us to display many different species and we have gone for a natural, contemporary New Zealand style of landscaping. We have worked closely with the Lower Hutt Horticultural Society who have been influential in establishing a planting palette and the character of the various sites,” says Council reserves planner, Kelly Crandle.

The Events Centre opening will begin at 10.15 am, with entertainment between 10.45 am and 2 pm including bands and kapa haka groups from Lower Hutt high schools, the Wellington Ukulele Orchestra and the Wellington Youth Circus.

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