Army Drill Hall Has Gone

Invers has lost another landmark building from its cityscape. The old Army Drill Hall has been flattened as it makes way for the new Bunnings Trade Centre.

The building with the distinctive curved roof anchored one part of the old showgrounds complex for many decades. We can’t be sure of the exact year it was built but a pic we’ve seen indicates 1914.

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On to the future, the new Trade Centre represents an investment of $7 million by Bunnings . It is expected to open its doors in the second half of 2021.

Photo: Malcolm Gayfer / whatsoninvers.nz

With seven other locations around New Zealand, Bunnings Trade Centres are dedicated stores designed to help Trade customers from the building and construction industry, specialised trades such as electricians, landscapers and plumbers as well as farmers and the rural community.

Old showgrounds and drill hall. Photo: oldinvercargill.nz

Bunnings Director New Zealand, Jacqui Coombes, said the new development represents a significant direct investment in the local community and is expected to create approximately 20 new team member positions.

Concept of new Bunnings Trade depot. Photo: supplied

“We’re really looking forward to getting to know our trade customers in the area and helping them with all their project needs. We’ll have a team of experts with specialised knowledge, the ability to bulk deliver trade quality and quantity orders to site, and will offer products relevant to our local trade customers such as Clever Living Co. homes, AEG tools and a farm building range,” Jacqui said.

Spanning approximately 4,000 square metres, the new Trade Centre will feature an enclosed trade drive- through and will have over 20 onsite car parks.