Historic upgrade underway at the village

A sign of the times at Tauranga’s historic village. Photo supplied

A $1.5m upgrade project on Historic Village buildings is nearing completion, as the village looks set to top visitor numbers for the third year running.

Since August 2015, when visitor numbers were first tracked, visitors have steadily increased from 149,000 entries through the main gate from August 2015-2016. There were 172,000 visitors for the following year.

Historic Village team leader Blair Graham says visitors for the current year are averaging 20,270 per month, which will put them well past 240,000 by August 17, 2018.

Most of the work being completed is building maintenance to current building standards.

This includes extensive re-roofing at the village entrance – replacing the roof, internal and external gutters, roof awnings covering decks and footpaths. The upper level decks and handrails and some of the exterior claddings are also being replaced.

Carter's Cottage is being re-piled, the exterior of the building is being repainted and the roof is being replaced.

The Otumoetai School House has been relocated from its temporary placement into a permanent position. It is currently being refurbished so that it can be tenanted.

Some wiring and plumbing is included, but this is minimal, says Blair.

'We are working towards creating a fit-for-purpose, vibrant and sustainable community destination.”

Current works are expected to be completed by the end of June 2018. The main contractor is Watts and Hughes construction.

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3 comments

Nice!

Posted on 17-05-2018 10:55 | By Maryfaith

Nice to see the old village being given a face-lift, Worth spending the money! Now the museum addicts have somewhere to show of all the stored 'items' they have been moaning about for years. You have your museum :)


School classroom

Posted on 17-05-2018 13:25 | By MISS ADVENTURE

Perhaps that could be tenanted to an enthusiastic Museumite muppets brigade as an alternate to the inane scheme, plan, scam currently on its way out at TCC. The chance of rent being paid however is minimal, the chance of wages being paid equally so.


Historic Village Upgrade

Posted on 17-05-2018 15:40 | By LyricalSoul

Still think they should make this place for a museum, makes sense to me seeing how the buildings are old, & inside would be the old historical museum pieces, a no brainer in my eyes!


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