96 | EVENTS Public Trust Hall T T Kim Newth Elegant ambience at unique venue The venue has hosted many chamber music concerts, along with diplomatic functions, conference events, cocktail functions, awards nights, presentations and formal dinners. In Wellington’s CBD is a sophisticated venue unlike any other. Boasting beautiful Edwardian Baroque architecture, the Public Trust Hall functions as a thoroughly modern venue that makes it ideal for corporate presentations, concerts, parties and other events. Venue manager Kristelle Plimmer says the building has a fascinating history dating back to 1908 when it was built to provide the main office chamber for Public Trust. It was designed by the government architect of the day, John Campbell. In 1982, the building was sold into private ownership and unsympathetically divided into small offices and shops. “They even put in a false ceiling of ugly tiles that covered up the gorgeous Edwardian Baroque plasterwork!” Following the 2013 Seddon earthquake, the building was condemned as being seismically unsafe. The story could have ended there but for Wellington property developers Maurice and Kaye Clark. Under their ownership, the decision was made to save the building through an extensive programme of earthquake re-strengthening and renovations. Through the course of that work, the original hall architecture was revealed again in all its glory. Today, this truly elegant 400m² space plus gallery serves as a very special event venue in the heart of the city. It can seat up to 280 people theatre-style and is equipped with contemporary audio-visual and lighting systems, including a large LED screen and sound system. An onsite technician is available to assist. A stairwell leads to a basement meeting room (‘The 1908 Room’), a well-equipped catering kitchen and additional bathrooms. Catering for the main event space is provided by four preferred providers. With a capacity of up to 60, the 1908 Room is a perfect space for smaller meetings and functions and is well-equipped with whiteboard, chairs, tables, two 55” TV screens and a kitchenette for tea and coffee. Functions in the 1908 Room can be self-catering. “The Public Trust Hall is completely unique in Wellington. It has such an air of calm serenity. For events, it provides a very flexible space with excellent AV equipment. With the LED screen, you don’t have to sit in the dark for your event. “With curtains open, you can enjoy our big arched windows and the lovely space we have here. No matter where you sit, you can see the screen.” A lot of care has gone into the hall’s acoustic design, a feature that is well-appreciated by Wellington’s classical music fraternity. A beautiful grand piano, a Bösendorfer 225, serves as an exceptional chamber or solo instrument. The Public Trust Hall has hosted many chamber music concerts, along with diplomatic functions, conference events, cocktail functions, awards nights, presentations and formal dinners. As Kristelle observes, this is also a premium wedding venue for Wellington. Thanks to the hall’s smart LED lighting system, changing the mood to suit the moment is very straightforward and can be readily customised from ceremony through to reception. “Our doors are all electronically controlled too: at the push of a button, the doors slide back to reveal the bride ready to walk down the aisle!” From an accessibility perspective, the venue is thoughtfully designed with flat access through the Lambton Quay entrance. A lift then takes people to the ground floor heritage foyer. A Williams assisted listening system is available for those who may require it and much of the signage includes Braille. Both levels have accessible toilet facilities. Kristelle, who comes from a background in events and concept development, says she first got involved with the hall thinking it would be for a few hours a week over a couple of months. “I started work at the end of 2017 and am still here! I love telling people the beautiful story of this special building and sharing it with them.” | cck Gc c1)I I 1Ik )_ k1OI 'O_ k.1c . _1k ) q1A 1I) [_Oq A cq[[A1 AqG | ĈĈĈưËüÑćưÚÑ k. [q A1 k_qck . AAƱ } AA1I)kOI 021659 790 www.jugnus.co.nz jugnuslittleindia Cuba St • Blair St • Lower Hutt • Porirua • Paraparaumu
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