Building reflects significance of site

A community-owned building on the former Town Hall and Opera House site opened on Monday, 116 years to the day after the foundation stone for the original building on the site was laid.

Developed and owned by Lands Trust Masterton, the new building at 27 Lincoln Road has been named Waiata House.

On 20 May 1897 one of the trust's founders, Alfred Renall, laid the foundation for the old building which was demolished last year after it was classified as severely earthquake prone.

The $3.1m building is tenanted by Pathways, CareNZ and Workwise, who together provide a range of community-based mental health and addiction services and supported employment for Wairarapa under the Wise Group banner.

Around 30 staff have been brought together under one roof to deliver the service which began in Wairarapa in November 2011.

Up until now staff have been split across two Masterton locations.

Rental income from the building is returned to the Masterton community through Lands Trust grants.

"Today marks the start of a new era for a significant property that has served our community well and will continue to do so," said Lands Trust Masterton deputy chair John Bunny, following Monday's dawn blessing of the new building by local kaumatua which was attended by around 40 staff and guests.

"We warmly welcome our new tenants and extend our thanks to all the contractors, 16 of them local to Wairarapa, who worked so hard to produce such a magnificent community asset."

Wise Group joint chief executive Julie Nelson said they were pleased to partner with Lands Trust Masterton to ensure the building was purpose-designed.

"It is our belief that the Wairarapa community will come to see this space, and the people working within it, as a wonderful resource for the health and wellbeing of the region," he said.

The name 'Waiata House' recognises the Opera House's musical history and its logo reflects the old building's arched windows which were salvaged and incorporated into the new building. Decorative corbels from the Opera House and floorboards from the former St Patrick's school have also been placed.