That was the feeling of Anderson House Trust chairman Craig Macalister yesterday after an official date — November 12 — for the reopening of the community asset was set.
The house, built by Sir Robert Anderson in 1925, was given to the Invercargill City by the Anderson family in 1951 and served as the Invercargill Art Gallery until January 2014, when it was closed due to earthquake concerns.
"The journey to having the historic house strengthened has taken time but the trust acknowledges the significant amount of work put into the project by the Invercargill City Council, which is to be congratulated for completing improvements to the building’s structural integrity."
Even though this part of the work was completed, work still needed to be carried out on repurposing Anderson House.
"Currently, we have a beautiful historic homestead, with heritage status, which is a blank canvas and the trust is working through options for fittings and furnishings.
"The weight of public opinion did not favour turning the property into a museum piece rather Invercargill people wanted an asset everyone can enjoy which will also assist in promoting the city."
The trust would make the property available for people to hire as a function or event facility and there had already been interest expressed in using it as a venue.
He highlighted there were no kitchen facilities at the property.
The trust would also host community events with a focus on promoting local artists and musicians, he said.
"Ultimately, we want a small cafe presence in the house but it is small steps at the moment while options as to what that may look like and potential funding arrangements are considered."
After officially reopened, Anderson House would be open to the public at weekends to visit, he said.
A public ribbon-cutting ceremony would take place on November 12, attended by Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark and Anderson family representatives, after which members of the public may view the house.
