Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre looks to the next stage

18 December 2018

Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre looks to the next stage in its expansion

Provincial Grown Fund awards grant for Feasibility Study

Blenheim, NZ: The New Zealand Aviation Museum Trust (NZAMT) is delighted the Provincial Growth Fund is investing $60,000 in a Feasibility Study exploring the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre (Omaka AHC), in Marlborough.

A northern gallery is planned, where the stories of aviation between the wars will literally and chronologically link the existing exhibitions, while a further enhancement to the WW2 space will enable a richer coverage of aviation during that crucible of world conflict. To better service the growing number of visitors, a double story reception building will be built, containing a restaurant, flexible function space, theatrette, retail, archive and administrative rooms.

The Omaka AHC has a has a twelve-year history of successful operation and is Marlborough’s single most visited attraction, rated #1 on TripAdvisor.

Jane Orphan, Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre Director said “From day one, we always intended to cover a broad spectrum of aviation history, so in 2013 the Trust commissioned a Masterplan to guide Omaka’s future expansion through progressive stages. We achieved the first of these additions in 2016, with the opening of Dangerous Skies, covering some of the captivating stories from the Second World War. With the help of the Provincial Growth Fund, we have an opportunity to work towards completing the remaining major gaps in that Masterplan. “

Omaka AHC has been the catalyst for a surge in aviation activity based around Omaka Airfield. Alongside the museum, NZAMT has created an Airpark to encourage heritage aircraft ownership, restoration and flying activity. It’s biennial Classic Fighters Airshow has both helped to fund the museum and act as a magnet for aviation enthusiasts worldwide.

Jane Orphan said “NZAMT wishes to express its thanks to the Provincial Growth Fund and looks forward to working towards greater growth in the visitor economy and the aviation industry.”

About Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre
Established to provide a world-class destination for the appreciation of historic aircraft, the Omaka AHC opened in 2006 with the Knights of the Sky exhibition, featuring Sir Peter Jackson’s extensive Great War collection of aircraft and rare memorabilia. The calibre of the displays, enhanced by Weta Workshop’s mannequins and sets produced by WingNut Films, launched the Centre to international acclaim. It was visited by their Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2014. Dangerous Skies, the WWII exhibition opened in 2016.

To learn more visit www.omaka.org.nz

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