Shannon Jailhouse on the move courtesy of Foxton business, Caldow Builders.
Shannon Jailhouse on the move courtesy of Foxton business, Caldow Builders.
Shannon's historic jailhouse has been restored and is about to move to a more prominent location in town.
The building was originally floated up the Manawatū River on a barge in 1911 and located next to the police station on Nathan Terrace, Shannon.
In 1964, it was moved to the police station's new site on the corner of Ballance and Venn Sts.
The last time the jailhouse was used to hold prisoners was 1972, after which it was decommissioned.
The Horowhenua District Council bought the building and put it in Te Maire Park, where it was managed and administered by the Shannon Progressive Association.
Shannon's old jailhouse was moved from 'Owlcatraz' to Bryce Street in Shannon for refurbishment prior to moving to Te Maire Park.
During this time the jailhouse was vandalised, including by fire, which damaged the roof.
In 1996, the council moved the building by crane to Shannon's native bird and wildlife park Owlcatraz, where it was leased to the owners at a minimum rent.
The jailhouse displayed historical documents and exhibition pieces to showcase the previous use of the building.
During the building's 24 years at Owlcatraz, well over one million visitors passed through its doors, enjoying the historic information provided by tour guides.
It also housed what is believed to be New Zealand's biggest collection of ornamental owls – more than 1000 display pieces.
When Owlcatraz was sold to developers in August 2020 a local business agreed to have the jailhouse in its yard where it is being refurbished.
The building needed repair, including repainting and replacement of damaged weatherboards, structural timber and roof.
New site for historic Shannon Jailhouse in Te Maire Park.
At the Horowhenua Council meeting yesterday, the chief executive said the repairs had been done and the roof replaced and the building is now being painted.
Once the work is done, the jailhouse will be moved to Te Maire Park, close to the railway station.
Additional works will include paths and foundations for the building, connecting power and a CCTV system.
The chief executive's report note the refurbishment work on the Jailhouse is being done out of existing budgets.
The council hopes to have the Jailhouse at the park by the end of this month, when the Progressive Association will take charge of administering and managing the building.
