February re-opening for centre

Malcolm Hopwood

Once a Methodist Church for 98 years, Baring Square Centre will officially reopen on Saturday, February 18.

The church closed following the 2010 earthquakes but, after a $3.3 million upgrade to meet strengthening requirements, the building will officially reopen as a multi-purpose centre.

It’s already been in use for Sunday services since November last year.

Steward, Alister Smyth, said the intention has been to redevelop the church as a facility for community meetings, performances and other gatherings.

“We’ve remodelled it as a centre for multi-use and February 18 will be an opportunity for the community to see the new facility,” he said. The centre seats about 150 people and has meetings rooms and kitchen facilities.

“With the civic complex opening later this year, we see it as a valuable resource alongside,” Smyth said.

Together with fellow steward, Judith Crozier, he is finalising a programme for the reopening. It will be conducted by national president of the Methodist Church of New Zealand, Rev Peter Taylor, a former minister at Baring Square, include Mayor Neil Brown and they hope former clergy and past members of the church will also return for the event.

People attending the re-opening are asked to respond by January 25.