The first stage of Oropi Memorial Hall's $1.8 million upgrade is complete with the opening of the new access connecting the building with Oropi School.

The Oropi Settlers Association Inc – operating as the Oropi Hall Committee – and Western Bay of Plenty District Council celebrated the completion of the 300 metre footpath this weekend.

Oropi School principal Andrew King on the new footpath that runs between the school and the hall. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

The footpath will enable Oropi School pupils and staff to safely access the upgraded centre and use it as a school hall.

The first stage of completion is being welcomed by Oropi School principal Andrew King, who had safety concerns about pupils' daily walks to the hall for school activities.

'The huge benefit is that access to the hall is now very clear for the children,” says Andrew.

'Especially the younger children, there is no question about where exactly to walk – no gutters, puddles and bushes to negotiate anymore.

'The council have put a fenced path along the top of the bank so the children are well away from the road.”

The nearly $2 million upgrade will see the now-named Oropi Memorial Hall become the Oropi Memorial Hall and Community Centre.

Further proposed plans to redevelop the 59-year-old hall include an extension, fitness gym, squash courts, and footpath and parking area.

Built in 1953 as a war memorial, the hall will be modernised to be used by a number of community groups at the same time to cater for a growing district, says convenor Joan Kehely.