Hastings war memorial Hall of Memories set for $1.5m restoration

The Hall of Memories at Hastings Library.

A Hastings artwork honouring those who served and died in World War II is getting a refurbish and revival.

The Hall of Memories at Hastings Library includes a mural painted directly on the interior wall in 1959 by renowned New Zealand war artist Peter McIntyre, plus two etched glass windows also designed by McIntyre, and a large, engraved marble rock.

Preservation work was set to start at the hall this week, so future generations will know of the sacrifices made during the war.

A Hastings District Council spokesperson said the upgrades were a necessary investment to ensure the safety, longevity and respectful preservation of one of Hastings’ most important civic and memorial buildings.

Hastings mayor Wendy Schollum said the restoration project focused on protecting people, the building and elements of the memorial hall.

“As stewards of this irreplaceable memorial and as providers of a safe, accessible library service for our community, this work is needed.

“It’s been planned and budgeted for as part of our overall programme of asset maintenance that ensures council-run facilities are safe, sustainable and fit-for-purpose.

“It’s important we get on with this work now, as delaying it puts people and the heritage elements at risk.”

The restoration comes before further earthquake strengthening in the hall, which is expected to start mid-February, although exact dates are dependent on gaining building consent.

The project’s cost is $1.5 million and includes partially removing the floor inside the hall to enable strengthening of the foundations, strengthening the three-storey wall between the hall and the main library, including filling the wall and applying high-performance concrete on the library side of it; and replacing the end-of-life heating, ventilation and air conditioning plus fire systems.

Replica moulds are being made of two plaster artworks affixed to the exterior wall of the hall to ensure there are copies in case these artworks are damaged at any point.

Strengthening of the remainder of the library building will be considered at a future date, once upcoming legislative reviews are completed and funding decisions made.

The current work is expected to take about nine months to complete, with access to the library during that time available via the east entrance from the library car park.

Noise and vibration will be noticeable around the library while work is underway, particularly during the first 12 weeks while the concrete floor is removed to avoid damaging the mural.