Pukekohe Hall Revamp On Track For 2026 Reopening

Friday, 4 April 2025, 8:47 pm
Article: Torika Tokalau - Local Democracy Reporter

The refurbishment of one of south Auckland's historical buildings is well underway, with the old foundations almost removed.

The earthquake-prone Pukekohe War Memorial Town Hall closed for works last October, and is due to reopen in January 2026.

As part of the major revamp and strengthening works, the hall will get new foundations, a roof upgrade, and a full interior refurbishment.

It will cost $7.2 million to renew it to its former glory and ensure it meets future community needs.

Franklin Local Board chair Angela Fulljames said the board has already allocated a little over $5m from Local Renewal and Seismic Strengthening funding.

"We need to acknowledge the co-operation of the RSA throughout a difficult time, especially around Anzac commemorations," she said.

"A willingness to compromise has been vital to getting to this point, and I’m sure they, and other user groups, will be delighted we can start.”

According to Auckland Council Parks and Community Facilities manager of area operations Eli Ewens, work was progressing well.

Ewens said it was on track to finish within the expected timeframe.

"We have started to install new foundations (piling) to strengthen the building and started strengthening the existing roof structure with steel bracing.

"When completed, this work will address a significant amount of the seismic strengthening required."

He said contractors will then move on to renewal work, including new corrugated steel roofing, joinery, and the internal fit-out.

"We have completed the removal of asbestos sheets from the roof area.

"Demolition and ground excavation works to remove the former foundations are 90% completed."

He said the entire project was expected to be completed in January 2026.

Franklin board member member Andrew Kay said the building opened in 1958 after being publicly funded.

“That tells you how important it was to this community, and our commitment acknowledges that.”

The seismic upgrade includes extensive roof support works, sub-floor bracing, replacing sections of brick walls with reinforced concrete, piling work to seven metres, steel reinforcement to the front façade, additional steel frame support in the RSA storage area, relining RSA bathrooms, office and lobby spaces, and gutters, rainwater heads and downpipes.

Renewal work includes new roofing, converting the external west porch to internal lobby space, refurbishing existing wooden, steel and aluminium window and door joinery, asbestos removal, lighting upgrades and fire protection.

There will also be a full interior refurbishment including new wall panelling and ceilings, carpets, a new colour scheme, revarnished floors, refreshed paint and upgraded bathrooms.

The entire project is expected to be finished in January 2026.

A reopening date for the building will be confirmed closer to the completion date.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

© Scoop Media

Local Democracy Reporting

Content from the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) service is published by Scoop as a registered New Zealand Media Outlet LDR Partner.