Town hall set to reopen this year

Extensive renovations to the Pukekohe War Memorial Town Hall are expected to be completed this winter.

The building was found to be earthquake-prone in a seismic assessment in the 2021 financial year. It closed in October 2024 to allow for the renovations, which were expected to take 13 months.

As part of the major revamp and strengthening works, the hall will get new foundations, a roof upgrade, and a full interior refurbishment.

The project is expected to cost $7.2 million to ensure it meets future community needs.
Auckland Council manager area operations Eli Ewens said the upgrade of the Pukekohe War Memorial Town Hall was progressing well.

“We remain on track to reopen the building in July.

“The majority of work in the Concert Hall is now complete, including interior finishes. Structural work in the main hall has also been completed, including installation of the new roof and ceiling.”

The seismic upgrade includes extensive roof support works, sub-floor bracing, replacing sections of brick walls with reinforced concrete, piling work to seven metres, steel reinforcement to the front façade, additional steel frame support in the RSA storage area, relining RSA bathrooms, office and lobby spaces, and gutters, rainwater heads and downpipes.

Renewal work includes new roofing, converting the external west porch to internal lobby space, refurbishing existing wooden, steel and aluminium window and door joinery, asbestos removal, lighting upgrades and fire protection.

There will also be a full interior refurbishment, including new wall panelling and ceilings, carpets, a new colour scheme, revarnished floors, refreshed paint and upgraded bathrooms.

“Work has now begun on the rear annex, which is the final stage of the project. This area includes the space leased and operated by RSA Franklin.

“We’re looking forward to reopening the town hall and welcoming the community back later this year.”

• From Friday, January 30, RSA Franklin will be open for business in the Pukekohe War Memorial Town Hall concert chamber. The concert chamber is located on the front left-hand corner of the Town Hall (from Massey Avenue), and can be accessed via the front door or double doors at the rear (carpark). Parking, although reduced, will remain outside the RSA Franklin Building. The RSA says this move is only temporary, and hopes to be back in their normal facilities within approximately six months.