The Balclutha War Memorial Hall will be demolished early next year, in preparation for a replacement, $15million "Clutha Community Hub", and tenders of interest to salvage items or materials from the 58-year-old hall close today.
Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust chairman Dale Anderson said the trust also hoped to salvage several "heritage" elements of the hall, which it would integrate within the new facility during construction.
"We’re very aware the hall has fond memories for many members of the community, and we wanted both to allow individuals or groups with a particular interest in specific hall elements, and the project committee, the chance to salvage those items before demolition began.
"There are some interesting design ideas for integrating things like some of the rimu floorboards from the main hall within entry or stairway flooring in the new hub, and retaining some of the brass signage like we have here in the Somerville Room.
A council spokesman said there had already been interest in salvaging some construction materials, and chattels such as kitchen items, from several community groups.
Mr Anderson said the aim was to ensure as much as possible was salvaged.
"It’s not about getting money out of people. We want to create as little waste as possible, and help the community to preserve memories and those sentimental attachments they may have to what’s been a key local facility for several decades."
He emphasised all war memorial elements would also be preserved and integrated within the new facility.
Referring to a recent last-ditch attempt by some community members to halt the hall’s demolition due to a perceived lack of respect for its heritage values, Mr Anderson acknowledged his committee could have done more to "communicate its message".
"I think people are a bit clearer now that this is not just ‘another hall for the sake of it’, but a genuine platform of opportunity to stimulate the district’s growth in a way that respects the past, and for all local people."
