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Last modified: 21 Sep 2021 12:57pm

A view of Southbridge Hall from the street

The next stage of the Southbridge Memorial Hall and Thompson Memorial Library Restoration Project is under way.

The external restoration includes replacement of the existing 26 Crittal style windows with identical steel replicas, including hardware and fittings, re-plastering and painting the exterior walls and general external maintenance. The project got under way last week.

A renewed driveway was also part of the project and was completed earlier this year.

Southbridge Memorial Hall and Thompson Memorial Library are Selwyn District Heritage buildings, built in 1930 to replace the former timber constructed Town Hall which was unfortunately lost in a fire.

Its Crittal style windows are quite a rare find now in New Zealand – particularly in Canterbury following the earthquakes. Retaining these uncommon architectural features is a key part of the restoration project, along with work to repair and protect the remainder of the hall for the long-term.

The project has been delayed by impacts from the pandemic including disruptions to steel supplies and lockdowns in Auckland that caused delays in the supply of the replacement steel windows from the manufacturers.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year, depending on weather and alert level changes.