Heritage Grandstand moves to Pole Position
New Zealand Historic Places Trust Information Release
8 April 2008
The country's leading heritage agency, the New Zealand Historic Places
Trust, is looking forward to seeing the historic Claudelands Grandstand
packed to capacity with cheering sports fans.
The landmark building, which is registered Category II by the Historic
Places Trust, will be shifted 500m to a specially prepared location this
week within the Claudelands Event Centre east of the Claudelands Oval.
The relocation will put the historic gem in pole position for car-racing
fans wanting to check out the V8 Supercar Championship action next year.
"This is a great outcome for Hamilton heritage - and a real success
story for Hamilton City Council and the community," says the Historic
Places Trust's Lower Northern Area Manager, Gail Henry.
"The grandstand will continue to function as a sports venue as it
has done for almost 130 years, and will be nicely showcased within the
revamped Showgrounds and Event Centre development, ensuring its continued
use."
The consent process went like clockwork according to Gail Henry.
"Hamilton City Council did everything right. They consulted us very
early on in the process, and we were able to provide useful heritage input
with council and contractors at key stages," says Gail.
"It has meant a carefully planned refurbishment that respects and
works with the original fabric of the structure, which will be retained
within what has been its curtilage since it was moved there from Cambridge
in 1892."
The grandstand will retain its original use and become a vital part of
the spectator aspect of the showgrounds and event centre, and a vibrant
heritage hub for the upgraded facilities across the complex.
Once it has been restored, a fire sprinkler system will be installed
and the building will be back in use as a grandstand after sitting deteriorating
and unloved for a number of years.
"The Claudelands grandstand is as Waikato as Hamilton itself,"
says Gail.
"We understand that the building will be at the heart of activities
surrounding next year's V8 Supercar Championship action. It will be great
to see the grandstand come to life again when that happens."
Media Contact:
Gail Henry
Area Manager Lower Northern
Tel: 027-272-6992
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