A independent Commissioner has granted Masterton District Council (MDC) consent to demolish the Masterton Town Hall buildings with a number of conditions.

Conditions include creating a Public Space Activation Plan, draft concepts for a replacement building, and an inventory of materials that may be salvaged for reuse.

Maseina Koneferenisi, General Manager Infrastructure and Assets welcomed the Commissioner’s decision.

“We’re pleased with the outcome. We will start engaging with the relevant experts to work through the condition requirements.

This decision means we can get on with the business of assessing the viability of building a new town hall within the project budget.”

Mayor Gary Caffell acknowledges the length of debate it had taken to get to a decision point, and the number of people who took the time to make a submission or have their say.

“I understand completely that there are divided opinions on the council’s decision to pursue the demolition option,” he said.

”I myself feel a mixture of trepidation and relief with the outcome – relief because it brings a conclusion to a debate which seems like it has been going on forever. ”

I am encouraged that we have a fundraising group led by former Mayor Bob Francis ready to go, and I am excited to see what we might be able to achieve in creating a new facility for Masterton and the Wairarapa while incorporating elements of the existing building into the new design.”

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