Council details bold plan for landmark

The proposed gallery extension, which is shaded green, will be built next door to Lopdell House. Photo / Supplied

A $15 million project to revamp Titirangi's Lopdell House and build a new art gallery next door is one of the biggest projects up for debate in the Waitakere City Council's last 10-year budget plan.

In 1983 the council bought the Mediterranean-style building in the hilltop village. It had been a luxury hotel, then a nightclub, a school for the deaf and an Education Department training centre.

Arts events, such as the Portage Ceramics Awards, drew 40,000 people last year. The council's draft budget has $4 million for the redevelopment in the new year and $1.3 million for a carpark.

More than $1.5 million is mooted over the following two years to see project contracts through the transition period when the council is merged into the proposed Auckland Council.

Bold plans for Lopdell House emerged in 2004 after new earthquake resistance standards came in and its 1930 masonry structure was found to need significant strengthening.

Lopdell House Redevelopment Trust stepped in to raise the money.

"Lopdell House is a major architectural statement of the village," said trust chairman Terry Bates. "We don't have many of these iconic buildings and the community is keen to give it a new lease on life. The intention is to establish a regional gallery of a high quality."

Mitchell and Stout Architects were commissioned to produce concept drawings for the redevelopment. The firm won an Institute of Architects New Zealand award for the Tauranga Art Gallery.

Mr Bates said the concept was for a contemporary gallery, with features such as humidity control for exhibiting art. It would meet accepted conservation standards for the old building next door, which would be for gallery administration, retail and a cafe.

The conservatory-type upper floor - an Education Department addition - would be removed and restored to a roof-top garden, where sculpture could be displayed.

Mr Bates said facilities would be available for present users Titirangi Arts centre and Titirangi Drama.

He was confident of the project getting resource consent.

"Despite the complexities such as the recession and restructuring of Auckland councils, we are optimistic this development will go through.

"The council has been a strong chair leader from the sidelines and the Portage Licensing Trust has been supportive.

"Without Portage's help we could not have the design work or have the necessary funds to raise further contributions."

He said the trust was looking for other fund-raising partners.

Lopdell House is one of two major arts precincts chosen in the 2002 city arts and cultural strategy. The other is the Corbans Estate Arts Centre in Henderson.

Comments on the draft budget close on May 1.