Doors ready to open after multi-million redevelopment

RE-OPEN: The finishing touches are being applied to the extended Napier Conference Centre. PHOTO/SUPPLIED.

The finishing touches are being applied, and the doors are ready to re-open at the Napier Conference Centre following a multi-million-dollar redevelopment.

A blessing of the Marine Parade venue will take place early tomorrow morning ahead of the first conference scheduled in the redeveloped building.

Napier mayor Bill Dalton said residents should be extremely proud of the refurbished facility.

"The Napier Conference Centre is a much loved community icon of Marine Parade, and I'm sure anyone who sees it, whether from the outside or from within, will be impressed with the outcome of this major refurbishment."

This latest upgrade pays homage to the original rotunda form of the 1950s Guy Natusch designed building, providing a state-of-the-art facility for the future while also respecting the past.

The original War Memorial was built in 1956 in memory of those who lost their lives in the Second World War. The memorialise Eternal Flame is being kept alight at a secure council location until a new one is confirmed. The Roll of Honour listing fallen soldiers' names remains on the centre's website.

The centre's refurbishment was scheduled for 2023, but it was decided to combine earthquake strengthening, extensions and refurbishment work into one major project.

Citrus Studio Architect Brent Scott led the design in association with Graham Weaver Architecture.

"This 1950's classic, housing the great ballroom with its sweeping coastal panorama, is a landmark in Napier. We wanted to retain the essence of this experience, so the ballroom has been enlarged by pushing out this curved wall," he said.

"With the addition of the brand new exhibition hall and an expansive glazed foyer there is a connection between old and new, past and present."

The facility's reopening will be celebrated with events including an official launch on March 23 followed by the first of the council's Business Breakfast series featuring Annabel Langbein the next day.

A campaign also begins next week - in partnership with NZME and The Hits - to search for anyone whose wedding was held at the venue during the past 21 years or earlier. Winners would be invited to the '21 Years of Brides VIP High Tea' - a nod to the years since the centre's last major refurbishment was completed.

-Residents and businesses are encouraged to view the redeveloped centre on April 1 when it will be open between 10am and 3pm.