September 26, 2012

Facelift for National War Memorial

Scaffolding at the National War Memorial in Wellington will remain up until March after maintenance work revealed more necessary repairs need to be carried out, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage announced today.

The memorial marked its 80th anniversary on Anzac Day this year while work was under way to improve access in the carillon tower, carry out earthquake strengthening and assess the condition of the building.

The assessment identified the need for additional work which could be carried out while the scaffolding remained in place.

The extra work includes refurbishing corroded and leaking windows, repairs to external lighting, structural concrete repairs, replastering the tower exterior and balcony repairs.

The cost of initial maintenance work was $1.15 million and the extra work will cost an additional $1.2 million.

Contractors are required to complete the work and remove scaffolding by March next year.

Heritage Projects manager Brodie Stubbs said new plastering on the tower will make it look brand new when the scaffolding is removed.

“The other work will not be visible but will ensure the National War Memorial will be safer for staff and the public and that the building is in good condition for many years to come.”

ENDS

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