Tag: buildings

Regent Theatre Family Tour

// Heritage

Curious about the stories that lie behind the Regent Theatre’s beautiful facade? Join the family tour for an hour and discover many nooks, crannies and spaces that make this jewel such a wonderful theatre. The Regent Theatre was built by theatrical and film company, JC Williamsons, in the 1930’s, during the depression. It was designed by Charles Neville Hollinshed, one of the top Australasian theatre designers. In the 1990’s the theatre was saved from demolition by the people of Palmerston North. Come and see and hear our heritage. 

Tours will run on Sunday March 26th at 11am and 1pm. You’ll be guided by Dr Tania Kopytko and Regent Theatre Manager David Walsh. Meet in the Regent Theatre foyer, Broadway Avenue. Tour is approximately 1 hour (it can be a little longer depending on questions). 

Up to 30 people per tour. Children must be accompanied by adults and stay with their group at all times, due to theatre health and safety procedures.

Chief Post Office and its exciting future

// Heritage

Mayor Grant Smith, a self-titled ‘history-buff,’ has been a member of Heritage New Zealand for over 40 years. On Thursday 2 March for Local History Week, he presents on a topic dear to his heart, Palmerston North’s Chief Post Office. Not only did Mayor Smith open his first bank account at the Post Office Savings Bank – his future wife, Michelle, worked upstairs in the Telephone Services Department.

The Chief Post Office was one of the nation’s grandest when built in 1905. It was proudly opened in June 1906 by Prime Minister and Postmaster General, Sir Joseph Ward. The Chief Post Office served the city and wider region well over the decades, until New Zealand Post finally vacated the building in 1988. Subsequently, the grand old place housed various bars and night clubs, restaurants and function centres, before falling into disrepair.

Mayor Smith will highlight the past glory of this city landmark and its future as a soon-to-be central city hotel. He was instrumental in connecting with the new owners, the Safari Group, a New Zealand building and development company. They will restore the original Post Office structure, combining and constructing a new 86 room Wyndham Hotel at the rear of the site.

2nd Floor Central Library at 12:30pm-1:30pm.

Bus trip to Woolshed Café, Sanson

// Heritage

Experience a unique audio guided heritage walk (approximately 90 minutes in duration). Comprises of seven authentically restored New Zealand houses, inside and out, 1860s-1960s.

Saturday 4 March, 9.00am-12.30pm. Cost $10 (bus fare and tour)

Starting in 2012, Woolshed Café owner Alan Parker has spent a lot of time collecting and restoring period homes. The homes were unwanted and to be demolished. Alan has meticulously researched the history of each period and learnt building skills to restore the houses to their former glory. The first was an art deco house and the project grew from there. The earliest example is an 1860s colonial cottage. Each house is authentically furnished with memorabilia, down to the wallpaper of the appropriate era.

Alan hopes to add to the collection, although finding affordable houses has become more challenging.

There will be time to have morning tea at the Woolshed Café after touring the seven houses.