Talk to shine light on Rotorua Museum project

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces funding for the Rotorua Museum restoration last month. Photo / File

A talk aimed at providing a community update on the Rotorua Museum project is set to take place on Thursday.

It will look into the history of the Bath House building, explain the investigative testing and planning that has gone into the project so far and share what the next steps are.

The talk run by Rotorua Lakes Council arts and culture manager Stewart Brown will happen at the Rotorua Library at 5.30pm.

Brown was the Rotorua Museum director prior to its closure in November 2016 due to damage caused by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Kaikoura.

He said he will explain some of the complexities behind the project and answer any questions the public may have.

"It [the museum] is well known as an iconic national treasure which was acknowledged last month when we received $20 million towards the project from Government", said Brown.

Last month, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and regional development Minister Shane Jones announced $15m in funding from the Government's Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) and $5m from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage Fund would go towards the strengthening and restoration of the building.

This is the first of a series of community talks focussing on the major projects that Rotorua Lakes Council are currently undertaking.

These talks will give the public a chance to hear more about each project and the opportunity to ask questions.