Historic pavilion 'at home' in new move

A revamp of the Havelock North Village Green moves into its next stage as the historic cricket pavilion makes a $300,000 move.

The building, designed by Hastings architect Eric Phillips, opened in 1938. It had sat at the green for 80 years, and was moved across the park yesterday to make way for a new-look park.

Initially, the pavilion was to stay in situ, but a Hastings District Council spokeswoman said the public wanted it moved to a more central position, offering to fundraise half of the estimated $300,000 the move would cost.

The "lion's share" of those funds had been raised and, following the move, parks and properties manager Colin Hosford said it looked "very at home" in its new spot across the green. "The project team is very happy with the outcome," he said.

Havelock North's historic cricket pavilion has been moved from its spot off Karanema Dr to the Te Mata Rd side of the park. Photo / Warren Buckland

"The pavilion will give some real weight and character to the interactive area of the park and do justice to what is a very important historic building."

The pavilion was inched on to a truck from its spot off Karanema Dr at 5am. It took an hour to slowly carry the building to its new home on the Te Mata Rd side of the park, just across from the Havelock North Library.

It is just another notch in a wider revamp of the park. Included is an upgrade of the building's entrance with glass doors added to match the front.

One wing of the building will house the Toy Library and Plunket, the other will be transformed into new public toilets. On the park side there will be stepped-down decks.

Most of the new facilities are expected to be finished by mid-December, weather permitting.

Public consultation on what should be included in the Village Green was held last year and includes a new playground with children's water play area, sun shades, a skate area and seating.