AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

19 May 2006

The Pah homestead to be restored to its former glory

The Pah homestead, also known as Monte Cecilia house, will undergo extensive refurbishment next week to restore the roof to its original state. The upgrade will begin on 24 May and will take approximately three months to complete, depending on the weather.

The refurbishment, which will involve replacing the roof and undertaking seismic strengthening, will ensure that the structure underneath the roof is protected from damage.

Auckland City is working with experts such as the Historic Places Trust and specialist heritage architects to ensure that the homestead is restored to its former glory. The roofing slate tiles have been sourced from Europe to match the materials originally used on the roof in the 1870s.

“The refurbishment and upgrading of the roof is part of Auckland City’s ongoing commitment to protecting and preserving heritage buildings in the city,” says Councillor Christine Caughey, chairperson of the Environment, Heritage and Urban Form Committee.

“The homestead has historical significance and value because it allows us to understand and connect with our history,” says Jaine Lovell-Gadd, property group manager.

Heritage is a priority for Auckland City and the council has established a range of measures such as further research into unprotected heritage sites with a view to scheduling them, character overlay zones, and tighter controls to help prevent the demolition of pre-1940s buildings in the CBD and character suburbs.

Auckland City will continue its strong working relationships with the Historic Places Trust and other agencies on heritage matters.

In the last year, Auckland City has contributed to some high-profile restoration projects city-wide, including:

- St Stephens Presbyterian Church, Jervois Road, Ponsonby

- (repainting of the interior of the church)

- Christ Church, Ladies Mile, Ellerslie

- (repair and restoration of the bell tower and stained glass windows)

- Anglican Church of St Barnabas, Mt Eden Road, Mt Eden

- (repair and restoration of the roof, spouting, down pipes and masonry)

- Auckland Sunday School Union, Queen Street, CBD

(repair, restoration and cleaning of the façade of the building)

- Onehunga Community House, Selwyn Street, Onehunga

(preparation of a master plan for restoration)

While the works are taking place, The Pah homestead car parking area will be fenced off for safety reasons. During this time, Monte Cecilia park and the public car park will remain open to the public.

ENDS

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