$2.9M approved for final stages of Municipal Building renovation and streetscape upgrades
Hastings District Council says an investment of $2.9m will enable the Municipal Building to fully meet the needs of users, and ensure the venue is operated in a way that is both efficient and generated
revenue, but also the most cost-effective for those hiring the spaces.
On Thursday, the council authorised the reallocation of funding to complete the interior fit-out work on the conference and events spaces, the commercial kitchen on the first floor next to the Assembly Room and the new Hastings Information and Ticketing Centre, which is being shifted from its current location on the corner of Russell St and Heretaunga St East.
It also made funding available to finish the upgrade of the streetscape around the building so the whole Heretaunga East 300 block is ready for its reopening by April 30, 2022.
Of the $2.9m, $762,000 is from existing budgets and $2.1m is from building renewal funding previously set aside for this project, council said.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said it had been a long journey to restore the building to its former glory and it was important that when it opened people could make the most of it, right from the start.
“It’s so exciting that our unique, much-loved part of our city’s heritage is about to come to life again, and we can’t wait to open it for the community to enjoy.
“Making this funding available means the Municipal Building and its surrounding amenity, will be completed from day one – ready to host conferences and functions for our community, as well as attract visitors and events from other areas.
“With its hospitality spaces, dynamic laneway connection, and the beautifully restored Shakespeare Room and Assembly Ballroom, this is the last piece of the puzzle for the Toitoi – Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre, making our vision for the most vibrant and significant arts, culture and events facility in New Zealand a reality.”
Group manager corporate Bruce Allan said they are looking forward to making some exciting announcements in the coming weeks regarding two new hospitality tenancies on the ground floor of the Municipal Building.
“And we are working hard on other potential tenancies, with opportunities to showcase Hawke’s Bay wine and a dealer art gallery two of the options being considered.”
As well as roundabout enhancements, the streetscape upgrades, which are part of Hastings City Centre Revitalisation Plan, will bring this block into line with the Heretaunga St East 200 block, including new and wider paved footpaths, seating, outdoor dining areas, and planter boxes.
The building has undergone earthquake strengthening, which is now complete, and the final fit-out of the facility is expected to be completed ahead of its planned opening next year.
