More Action On The 'Wings' Than The All Blacks

MEDIA RELEASE

05 July 2011

Motat's Aviation Display Hall Has More Action On The 'Wings' Than The All Blacks

New Zealand's largest clear span wooden structure is steadily taking form at MOTAT, with the new $15 million Aviation Display Hall set for completion in time for the anticipated influx of domestic and international visitors in September.

The 2,750m² custom designed Display Hall is more than double the size of MOTAT's existing Aviation Hangar.

The expanded facility will house around 40 MOTAT aircraft including the newly loaned RNZAF Skyhawk, Sunderland and Solent flying boats, Lancaster Bomber, DC3, Cessna and Tiger Moth.

The construction phase follows stage one of the aviation project, the relocation and restoration of MOTAT's original World War II Blister Hangar. The Blister Hangar is the workshop for the volunteers who restore the aircraft in the collection.

MOTAT Museum Director, Jeremy Hubbard said that the new structure upgrade will provide enhanced housing for the collection and will allow for the exhibitions to be upgraded to tell the stories of the aircraft, the people who flew them, and their contribution to the development of New Zealand.

"We are committed to ensuring that these historic planes, which have been lovingly restored by our volunteer team, have space to be displayed properly in all their glory. The previous hangar was becoming very cramped making it difficult to maneuver the planes within the hangar," he said.

"The Display Hall will be a fantastic attraction for both local and international visitors where they will be able to learn about New Zealand's aviation history and the stories associated with our magnificent aircraft collection, housed in a world class structure. We're working towards getting more and more activities up and running around it as well, including tours hosted by some of our aviation volunteers."

The new building is large enough to allow aircraft to be moved within the hall as the exhibitions change and provide a unique experience where the space can be hired out for events.

The northern façade is a translucent skin which assists in providing natural temperature regulation including heating and cooling. There are 440,000 nails in the structure, all done by hand with 531 cubic metres of concrete poured.

Mr Hubbard said the Display Hall has been created with the next generation in mind.

"We have created something that will last well into the future and will keep generations of Kiwis coming back to MOTAT to learn all about New Zealand's aviation history," he said.

Following the completion of the Aviation Display Hall, MOTAT will then refocus work towards upgrading the existing Aviation Hangar, construct a new entrance to the site and toilets.

-ENDS -

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