Health and safety upgrade for Waiheke Artworks

More than $195,000 will be spent on the Waiheke Artworks Complex to upgrade health and safety features to the required standard.

Auckland City purchased the performing arts complex from the Waiheke Island Community Artworks Charitable Trust in February.

The chairperson of Auckland City’s Community Services Committee, Councillor Graeme Mulholland, says it is now the council’s responsibility to ensure the complex meets all necessary compliance standards.

Fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire exits, an upgraded ventilation and air conditioning system, exit signs, disabled access, a fire hose, refurbished toilet facilities and new water supply are required to bring the building up to an acceptable standard.

The work will be undertaken as soon as possible and the bill split between the council ($131,000) and the Waiheke Community Board ($64,000).

An additional $85,000 will also be spent completing a new kitchen, entry foyer and toilets in the complex’s cinema. This will be paid for by the Waiheke Artworks’ lessee, the Artworks Trust.

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