Future Use Of Anderson House Investigated

The future of Anderson House is back on the agenda again with the Invercargill City Council looking at options to future proof the building.

The Category 1 historic building has been closed since 2014 because of its poor seismic strength, but the grounds have remained open to the public.

Tomorrow’s Infrastructure Services Committee will decide how next to proceed with the building, with a recommendation to spend $400,000 on remedial maintenance – including keeping the house watertight.

Heritage NZ representatives were planning to visit Anderson House this week and a verbal update from their tour would be given at the meeting.

The committee will decide on what to do about seismic strengthening and fire and access requirements for the future – which could cost up an additional $800,000, and ICC staff will prepare a 20-year maintenance plan on the budget for this.

An application for that work will be made to the Lotteries Environment and Heritage Fund.

A report to council said that Anderson House Trust was actively working with the Parks and Recreation department on activities and uses for the property.

There was a budget of $1.72 million in the council’s long term plan for the work, and council recommended that the $400,000 remedial work be carried out immediately to prevent further deterioration.

The house was currently rated at a seismic strength of <10% NBS), however further investigations since 2013 have resulted in an increase in the expected performance of certain elements of the building – relating to changes in the New Zealand Society for Earthquake Engineering (NZSEE).

Over the years the council and Anderson House Trust have discussed potential uses for the building including as a cafe, or function centre – but that would require both a toilet and kitchen upgrade as well.

ICC Property Manager Paul Horner said recent work was completed which confirmed a budget of approximately $400,000 was still needed to complete the necessary remedial maintenance.

“ There is a reasonably urgent need to complete remedial maintenance to keep the house watertight and to safeguard this heritage building.”

Hospitality expert Russell Kenny, of Christchurch-based RK Consultancy, has also been commissioned to provide independent advice on Anderson House’s future use.

Staff would then report back to council once a recommendation has been established, with any potential future use subject to a tender process.