Waihi's Foresters Hall to be dismantled

Newmont Waihi Gold intends to remove the Foresters Hall on Haszard Street.

A company spokesperson said that houses either side of the hall have already been removed. T

"he hall will be dismantled and any parts of the building that are in reasonable condition and can safely be salvaged will be retained for potential future use.

"The company will work with members of Waihi Heritage Vision to identify any materials that should be preserved. The front and rear of the building are comparatively recent additions and of no historic value."

"The exterior of the building and the floor inside are in poor condition, however, the ceiling is of interest. This features a combination of tongue and groove and board and batten construction, and has an interesting wooden ventilation grill."

Over the last three years both the Heritage Group and Newmont have attempted to find any group interested in accepting the hall at no cost as a refurbishment project, but the estimated cost of just under a quarter of a million dollars to restore the building saw no takers.

A comprehensive video and photo record of the Foresters Hall will be completed before the building is dismantled.