Art Centre Gets A Revamp

The Twin Rivers Arts Centre in Ngaruawahia is about to undergo a major refurbishment to bring the building into line with earthquake prone building requirements.

The project is expected to take up to 10 weeks to complete at an estimated cost of $390,000.

Waikato District Council General Manager Roading and Projects, Ian Gooden, said the upgrade is necessary to ensure the building meets the current requirements for earthquake prone buildings. The project will also revamp the existing internal layout to better meet the needs of the art centre.

“Council has worked closely with the Twin Rivers staff, the Ngaruawahia Community Board and Ngaruawahia Councillors to ensure the new building will provide an improved working area and gallery for artists.
“The building frontage will be completely renewed. The existing verandah will be removed and replaced by a lightweight glass canopy giving a more modern look and opening the building up to more natural light. The old outside toilets will be demolished and replaced with a new internal design that will allow better access for people with disabilities. A new kitchen area will also be created including a specific wash down area for arts and crafts materials.

“We are hoping the newly refurbished building will encourage local youth to get involved with their creative side,” Mr Gooden said.

The arts centre will be closed during construction and all items and tools within the building will be relocated and stored in a safe location.