Opera house site on track for March completion

The new building on the former Opera House site in Masterton should be completed in March if workers stay on schedule.

The Opera House on Lincoln Rd, last used as a second-hand goods auction house, was demolished last year by Lands Trust Masterton because it was deemed an earthquake risk.

The trust announced plans for the new 1680sq m two-storey building last June, and healthcare provider Pathways/Care NZ will be the main leaseholder.

Trust chairman Alan Sadler told the Times-Age this week they were on target to complete the building at the end of March.

He said the tenants are keen to take occupation of the building as soon as possible and are making sure the building will be equipped to their needs.

The main contractor for the project is Rigg-Zschokke, and Mr Sadler said they were sticking to the budget of the $3 million project.

The trust has already demolished the Elliot Building and the former St Patrick's School building both on Queen St as they were high risk.

The Radio House building on Church St is being upgraded by the trust after also being found to be high risk.