The Ranfurly Auto building. Photo by Lynda Van Kempen.
Rural Art Deco Maniototo will investigate the extent and
cost of work needed to save the facade of a distinctive curved
building which was damaged by fire earlier this year in
Ranfurly's main street.
The commercial property owned by Dick and Janet Parker housed
their two companies, Ranfurly Auto and Ranfurly Bike Hire, as
well as the couple's residential apartment.
It was destroyed on March 8 in a fire thought to be the
town's largest structure blaze in three decades.
The back of the property was cleared but the facade of the
early 1950s building remains standing.
A meeting was held recently between the Parkers, chairman of
the Maniototo Community Board Richard Smith, community and
economic development co-ordinator Amie Pont, of Project
Maniototo, and the Rural Art Deco Maniototo committee.
It was agreed that the Art Deco group would look into the
possibilities for the site, group chairwoman Diane Paterson
said.
"Given this is a significant Art Deco building for Ranfurly
with its distinctive rounded and windowed corner it is hoped
that the facade can be saved and then plans developed for how
the remaining site can be used, " she said.
The groups involved in the meeting and members of the public
said the building was important for the economic and social
wellbeing of the Maniototo community, Mrs Pont said.
The Parkers were happy for the Art Deco committee to begin a
feasibility study of the site, with a focus on the extent and
cost of work needed to save the facade.
"There's been a fair bit of public interest in what's
happening with the building so we want to explore all the
avenues for it," Mrs Parker said.
"It ... would leave a gap if it went. I wouldn't mind a
dollar for every time it's been photographed by visitors.
"It certainly appeals to people," she said.
The couple have decided not to rebuild on site but have yet
to decide whether to continue operating Ranfurly Auto from
other premises.
Ranfurly Bike Hire has been relocated to a rental property.
- lynda.van.kempen@odt.co.nz
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