No issues in hall upgrade

Arrow International construction manager Bruce Halligan, of Queenstown, stands in the refurbished and expanded foyer of the Queenstown Memorial Centre, with the relocated box office to the right. The foyer can host an event separately from the rest of...

Another view of the redecorated foyer, leading to upgraded toilets and the staircase to the Queenstown RSA's Gallipoli Room. The pair of square panels on the wall to the left are where flat-screen televisions will be installed.

Timber decking and a metal and glass balustrade make for an attractive balcony, which is an ideal spot from which to watch fixtures on the Queenstown Recreation Ground.

The mezzanine floor has been removed from the auditorium. The original timber floor is being sanded in preparation for staining. Panelling will be added. Photos by James Beech.

The Queenstown Memorial Hall has become fit for community use in the 21st century, as a tour of the cornerstone facility revealed at the end of stage one of its $3.1 million upgrade.

Arrow International construction manager Bruce Halligan, of Queenstown, said there were no unforeseen issues for him and a peak force of 30 contractors, who put in six days a week in the final two months of work on the 54-year-old building.

The main challenge in upgrading the building was its location, as it made access difficult, he said.

Queenstown Memorial Hall Trust chairwoman Cath Gilmour said she and the other trustees were ''absolutely thrilled''.

''We think it's looking great and it's still on time and on budget''.

The remaining $50,000 will be raised by a variety of fundraising ventures, to be announced in the new year.

Arrow International began work on the complex on July 23, 2012. The first stage of the work was completed by December 21, allowing the Pub Charity Rugby Sevens tournament to be held, using all facilities but the auditorium and stage, on January 12 and 13.