nextNovember 2009
A competition to design Dunedin’s new Town Hall was originally held in 1914, but building did not commence until 1929. It was widely regarded at the time as the finest Town Hall in New Zealand.
The building has continued to play a central role in Dunedin city life to this day, hosting a wide variety of events and gatherings.
The Town Hall is a beautiful example of the neoclassical style and retains an impressive number of original features, including ‘Norma’ the concert organ (a public favourite).
Modifications to the building are now necessary in order for it to function as a modern entertainment venue, and Jackie Gillies + Associates has worked closely with the design architects and with DCC in order to find a solution that allows the heritage values of the Town Hall to be retained and highlighted.
A Conservation Plan was produced initially, followed by a Heritage Impact Assessment, and Jackie Gillies + Associates continues to be involved with the project on a consultancy basis.
Once designs for the new building were finalised, an archaeological assessment had to be made for the NZHPT to issue an authority to disturb, damage or destroy potential 19th century features. In November 2009 Jackie Gillies + Associates produced this archaeological report on the 19th and 20th century history of this site for submission to the HPT.
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