By CATHY ARONSON
CAMBRIDGE - Cambridge is about to undergo a multimillion dollar spruce-up, starting with its historic town hall.
The Waipa District Council has approved a $1.2 million renovation of the town hall's interior and is beautifying the outside between the cenotaph with paving and trees to create an outdoor function
area.
It is the first stage of an upgrade of the town's footpaths and gardens, which could cost up to $4 million.
Waipa Mayor John Hewitt said Cambridge was overdue for a spruce-up as it had never had one.
He said it would encourage business and growth.
The town hall will be renovated to meet earthquake and fire safety requirements, and will get new carpet, curtains and paint.
Cambridge Museum curator Eris Parker said the town hall was important and dated back to when the town began to make a name for itself at the beginning of the century.
The town hall was built amidst controversy in 1909 by the forward-thinking mayor William Buckland.
Despite strong protest, he booted the saleyards off the central town site to make way for the town hall, and resigned for two days until the council agreed to take out a £5000 loan to build it.
"It was called Buckland's White Elephant because nobody could see a good reason for it, but it put Cambridge on the map," Ms Parker said.
"The fight was on to become the most important Waikato town.
"Hamilton eventually won but we became the most important small town, mainly because of our town hall."
Ms Parker said Mr Buckland gave Cambridge a town hall, post office, clock tower, courthouse and gas and water before any other Waikato town.
When the mayor had finished all his projects, he resigned in 1910 to farm daffodils.
Since then, the town hall has housed the local movie theatre, hospital, council chambers, library and theatre and was the centre for the Queen's visit to the Waikato in 1954.
Ms Parker said most social functions had now moved outdoors away from the town hall, but the renovations and outdoor garden would bring back the people and the pride.
Work will begin on the town hall and gardens at the beginning of next year and will be completed before Anzac Day.
