138 | T T Bernadette Cooney New premises for famous brass band Woolston Brass, one of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious brass bands, is celebrating 133 years. “We certainly envisage the new facility being used by a variety of community groups. Since the Woolston bands only practise three nights a week, the Hub will be available for public hire during the day and on weekends, maximising its potential as a multi-purpose venue for the community.” COMMUNITY Woolston Brass: Contract Construction Woolston Brass is on the path towards having smart new premises by September next year, with concrete foundations laid for a $3 million Community and Arts Hub designed by architectural designer and former brass band member, Trevor Wilson. Woolston Brass, one of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious brass bands, is celebrating 133 years of history this year, with its roots firmly planted in Christchurch, having been at its Dampier Street site for 115 years. “It’s an exciting time for us, as we crack into rebuilding on our original site at 37 Dampier Street where the band has practised since 1909,” says Woolston Brass general manager Todd Turner. “Over the years, Woolston Brass has seen two different buildings on the site, with the latest one constructed in 1961. Unfortunately, the Christchurch earthquakes left this building rendered structurally unsafe by current building standards, so we set about fundraising for a new building and it’s great to see the beginnings of that,” says Todd. Officially named the Woolston Community and Arts Hub, the 465sqm structure will sport a smart, modern aesthetic, complete with a distinctive red roof. Being built by Contract Construction, the Woolston Community and Arts centre will feature two levels, with the main band room on one side and a flexible multi-purpose space on the other. Upstairs, there will be smaller practice rooms designed to accommodate music lessons or other community activities. One of the key design elements is the use of CLT panels and glue-laminated beams, giving the building a lightweight, earthquake-resilient structure, suitable for the TC3 land on which it is built. The interior will also have strong timber aesthetics, with wood flooring and modern, sleek finishes. This timber design aims to create a warm, inviting environment for the band members and the wider community. “We certainly envisage the new facility being used by a variety of community groups. Since the Woolston bands only practise three nights a week, the Hub will be available for public hire during the day and on weekends, maximising its potential as a multi-purpose venue for the community,” says Todd. Woolston Brass has already raised half of the building costs through contributions from Woolston Brass Inc. organisation, the Christchurch City Council’s Capital Endowment Fund, gaming machine trusts, and other private donors. “Work on the Hub has temporarily paused as we await the arrival of prefabricated cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels and to finalise additional fundraising efforts.” More fundraising is needed to help reach their goal, says Todd, who emphasises the importance of community support in making this project a reality. “Donations of any size are welcomed, and every contribution helps bring the Hub closer to completion.” Donations can be made by bank transfer with tax deductible receipt or via online payment at www.woolstonbrass.org The Woolston Brass organisation has 150 members across three bands, the most well-known being Woolston Brass, and their academy bands, Woolston Concert Brass and Woolston Junior Band. Creating new interest in the next generation, the brass band organisation provides free brass programmes within three local primary schools, and fosters developing players through its academy. Plumbing & Drainage Proudly supportingWoolston Brass 0800 600 321 www.aoteaplumbing.co.nz 62 Montreal Street, Christchurch
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