Motorcycle Mecca Expansion And Redevelopment Underway
Construction work officially kicked off at Classic Motorcycle Mecca in Invercargill today. Throughout 2018 a large
expansion and redevelopment project will take place which aims to transform the existing collection into Australasia’s
premier motorcycle museum.
Huge changes are underway at Classic Motorcycle Mecca in Invercargill. A large expansion and redevelopment project
officially started today, with local building firm Henderson Construction beginning deconstruction work within existing
under-developed floor levels. In total around 30 local suppliers will be involved in this project, with work not
expected to interrupt day to day operations at either Classic Motorcycle Mecca or Meccaspresso Cafe.
Joc O’Donnell, Transport World Director says “It’s a very exciting year for Classic Motorcycle Mecca and Transport
World. We have been looking forward to progressing this development for quite some time. The new space is not only going
to be larger but completely different from what is currently on display. The ways we are planning to present our content
and exhibits is not only new for Motorcycle Mecca but also Transport World. We can’t wait for our guests to see it”.
Post development guests can expect a big change to the exhibition space within Motorcycle Mecca. A much broader
attraction is being developed in partnership with Transport World and Wellington based experience design specialists
Gibson Group. A lot of the existing 300+ classic motorcycles are set to remain in the collection but their accompanying
information and presentation will be significantly different. Unique exhibition concepts are currently under development
and they include a much wider scope of motorcycle themes, interactive displays, technological improvements and family
friendly exhibits.
Excitingly once complete, the revised Motorcycle Mecca space will also house many new bikes from a much wider pool of
motorbike interests. Some of these new inclusions will include (but not limited to) Japanese bikes, Motocross and
Speedway. The diversification of the Motorcycle Mecca collection is being made possible through the creation of more
exhibit space and the generous offers of long term loans from some of New Zealand’s best
private motorbike collections.
Physical changes within the building will also be drastic and include continued, extensive earthquake strengthening. A
new single entrance for both Motorcycle Mecca and Meccaspresso is set to be established. A Wood Street entrance is also
being developed to make parking easier for guests visiting via motorhomes and coaches. Once completed, all levels above
Meccaspresso café will be redeveloped and both buildings (formally 25-27 Street) will be completely restored.
An official opening date for the revamped Motorcycle Mecca is expected in late 2018.