Milton’s Coronation Hall, built at a cost of £3500 to mark the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, is having its south wall membrane-sealed and replastered by contractors to prevent long-standing issues with damp in some of its rooms.
But the $27,000 project, co-funded by hall reserves and a Clutha District Council grant, was just the first step in safeguarding the long-term future of the community facility, hall spokesman Noel Aitken said.
"We’re very pleased to see this essential work under way at last but, unfortunately, it’s just one of several costly projects needing to be addressed over the next few years in order to preserve the integrity and functionality of the building."
Other work included replacing the hall’s diesel boiler, exterior repainting and, more significantly, a possible roof replacement, he said.
"The boiler, which is 40 or 50 years old, finally gave up the ghost a few weeks ago, so we find ourselves back in fundraising mode once more, perhaps a bit sooner than we expected."
Water leakage in the main hall’s ceiling corners had also caused damage to roofing joists.
"Again, you fix one thing and another comes up, but because we suspect the leaks have caused decay in the joists, that could become quite a major — and costly — undertaking."
Despite the growing list of maintenance and repairs, he and the committee remained optimistic about the hall’s future, Mr Aitken said.
"We held an inaugural open day for the Milton community last year, which was very well attended, and which has led to a resurgence in use from community and other groups. We’re holding another on November 17 with displays, stalls and refreshments, so people interested in seeing the current state of progress can take a look."
He said the most common response from new visitors was surprise at the scale of the hall’s facilities.
"There are several smaller committee and dance rooms, kitchens, plus the main hall for 300, so it’s pretty versatile."
After it was rescued from dilapidation in 2000, by volunteers led by Milton builder Earle Pringle, the present-day committee was determined to see the hall safely into the future, Mr Aitken said.
"She’s a grand old lady, and deserves to be cherished."
