Rotorua Museum Project Update

Connecting Vision to Action.

The strengthening, restoration and redevelopment of Rotorua Museum is a key element of Rotorua Lakes Council’s Vision 2030 and the Rotorua Way. This vision for Rotorua is guiding the development of a range of key projects and programmes to enhance our district’s strengths as we work with our community and partners to achieve a positive future.

A second Museum project update will take place at Rotorua Library (1127 Haupapa Street) on Saturday 5 October 2019 at 10am.

Come and hear from project lead Stewart Brown (Rotorua Lakes Council, Arts and Culture Manager) as he updates the community on what has happened so far and what is next. (This will be a similar presentation to the one held on 5 September 2019).

Rotorua Museum closed to the public on 18 November 2016 following a rapid seismic risk assessment of the building after the Kaikoura earthquake.

A detailed seismic assessment revealed that the Museum was 19% of new building standard (NBS). Buildings under 34% NBS are considered earthquake prone. On completion of the project, the building will be strengthened to at least 80% New Building Standard.

The strengthening programme involves under floor shotcreting, as well as the installation of new structural steel elements throughout the building, to reinforce the existing elements and provide additional strength in the event of an earthquake.

Once completed, the building will look almost exactly the same as it did before it closed. Where changes are visible, the direction from Heritage New Zealand is for any new design elements to be sympathetic to the heritage building but clearly differentiated from it.

As part of the seismic strengthening and restoration project, the opportunity will be taken to upgrade key amenities in the building to enhance functionality, accessibility and the overall visitor experience.

Should you wish to find out more about the Rotorua Museum project visit www.visiontoaction.nz/museum.