Opinion: Sad to see Lakehouse go

The Lakehouse is being torn down piece by piece. Photo/Ben Fraser

Sometimes you want to go Where everybody knows your name, And they're always glad you came; You want to be where you can see, Our troubles are all the same; You want to be where everybody knows your name.

There was no mistaking that piano music and those lyrics when Cheers came on.

Cheers, a famous sitcom from the 80s, followed the lives of bar owners Sam and Diane (later Rebecca), and their staff and patrons Norm, Carla, Woody, Cliff, Lilith and Frasier.

It was a bit like Cheers at Rotorua's Lakehouse for the regulars who went there.

Built in 1870, it was "the place to be" in those days. A grand old dame, she now sits tired and dilapidated on a hill overlooking Ohinemutu and Lake Rotorua.

Although it is sad to see her go, it seems nothing else can be done to save her.

Despite owners Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust doing all they can, the Lakehouse is too dangerous to be in.

The trust commissioned an independent heritage architect to review the building and Heritage New Zealand has also supported the review's findings.

Trust chairman Malcolm Short said the cost of upgrading the Lakehouse to meet modern earthquake standards was prohibitive.

"In addition, there would be extensive additional costs to bring the building up to modern building standards," Short says.

The Lakehouse was a favourite watering hole of my father's and many of his friends.

We celebrated his 60th birthday there, and my 30th.

In my teens, when I got my full licence, I practised my driving on Friday nights, picking up Dad from the Lakehouse after he'd had a few jugs and few games of pool.

I'm sure he'd be sad to see it torn down but he'll always have the memories.

On the upside, a lot of the original materials will be saved and restored and will go back to Ohinemutu.