The wall will signify the end of a temporary view of the town’s bridge from main thoroughfare, Clyde St, which residents and visitors have been able to enjoy since the previous War Memorial Hall was demolished in July.
The $15million, multi-purpose hub is expected to take about 15 months to complete.
The views will not disappear forever, however, as the bridge will form part of the vista from within the new hub, which will include a 400-plus person, multi-use auditorium with modern theatre technology, adjustable raked seating and a flat floor stage.
The facility will also have a spacious atrium, showcasing local art, history and the district as a whole, designed to provide a platform for local tangata whenua and iwi to share their stories of the district and their links to the river.
