Soldiers’ Block restoration project on track for Anzac Day opening

Good progress is being made on the restoration and earthquake strengthening of historic Soldiers’ Block on the Queen Mary Hospital site in Hanmer Springs, says Hurunui District Council’s Chief Strategy and Community Officer Judith Batchelor.

Batchelor says the project is on track for the public reopening on ANZAC Day 2025.

A significant milestone has been the installation of steel portals which are being placed throughout the building to support the building’s capacity to withstand seismic loading.

Hardwood coverings have been removed to reveal match lining, which was common in buildings built before 1920. Batchelor says the horizontal timber match linings are being sanded and painted, retaining the original heritage fabric.

“Representatives from Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga visited the building last week and were really impressed with the care and attention to detail the builder and subcontractors are demonstrating.”

Batchelor says fire prevention sprinklers and a comprehensive security system are installed and operating within Soldiers’ Block.

“Soldiers’ Block has sat at the heart of our community since 1916 and we want it to be here for another 100 years,” Batchelor says.