Titirangi’s Lopdell House redevelopment to start this year

24 January 2012

Titirangi’s Lopdell House redevelopment to start this year

Titirangi’s $19 million Lopdell project is moving to the building consent phase following agreement from Auckland Council’s strategy and finance committee and the Waitakere Ranges Local Board.

It’s expected the two-year, four-stage project will start early this year with the construction of a new carpark deck, followed by Lopdell House seismic strengthening and heritage restoration, a new gallery, and finally the upgrade of Lopdell Hall (the Treasure House).

The Lopdell project is the brainchild of the Lopdell House Development Trust (LHDT) and has strong financial support from Auckland Council and The Trusts Community Foundation (TTCF).

The council is funding $12.3 million, mainly for critical seismic strengthening and Lopdell House restoration work, and LHDT has “in principle” significant support from TTCF and the ASB Community Trust.

Waitakere Ranges Local Board is managing the partnership with LHDT on behalf of the council, and working with the trust to help deliver the Lopdell House restoration and new gallery.

Lopdell House Development Trust chairperson Terry Bates says the journey from conception to construction has been a long one.

“We are enormously grateful, both to the former Waitakere City Council and Auckland Council, for the urgency and priority they have given to the project,” he says.

“We intend to work in productive partnership with the council, the Portage Trust and TTCF and are still fund raising at this stage. We think the way the Council is managing the project will give confidence to our final tier-investors.”

Waitakere Ranges Local Board Chair Denise Yates says the board is delighted to be working with LHDT on the project.

“Lopdell House has a long and proud history, starting life as a 1920s luxury hotel and becoming the home of the School of the Deaf before council acquisition for use as a regional arts gallery in the early 1980s,” she says.

“It’s wonderful to be able to extend its life, make it safe and secure its position as one of Auckland’s heritage treasures.

“It’s an iconic building and we are pleased to be part of the planned restoration and new works, which will make sure it remains a heritage feature for many years to come.”

The Trusts Community Foundation chairperson Ross Clow adds that Portage trustees have shown constant and consistent support for the project for more than eight years now.

“TTCF is pleased to provide funds to help get the project to this stage and we look forward to providing further financial support as the project progresses,” he said. “This is a development worthy of our assistance on behalf of the people of Waitakere.”

ENDS

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