New Life for Invercargill’s 160-Year-Old Maternity Hospital
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- Troopers Memorial Corner Charitable Trust buys old Invercargill maternity hospital.
- Restoration will address earthquake safety and preserve heritage.
- Fundraising and phased restoration planned.
Invercargill’s historic former maternity hospital, a notable 160-year-old building located at 194 Dee Street, has found a new caretaker in the Troopers Memorial Corner Charitable Trust.
The Trust recently acquired the historic property, with plans to restore it to its original splendor. Work started this week on tidying up the grounds with removal of overgrown trees and bushes.
The Trust has a notable track record in heritage conservation, having previously restored other significant buildings like the former NSW Bank and Yule House on Dee Street.
The restoration of the former hospital, a building that holds a significant place in New Zealand’s heritage and was awarded Historic Places Category 1 status, is anticipated to start soon.
This project will not only refurbish the structure but also ensure its safety against earthquakes, an essential consideration given its age and brick construction.
Funding the restoration is a critical component of the project, with plans to approach previous benefactors, including the Lotteries Commission and the Invercargill City Council.
The Trust is committed to a staged restoration approach, allowing for meticulous attention to detail in preserving the building’s historical and social significance as a birthplace for many Southlanders.
Heritage New Zealand, through Otago Southland area manager Sarah Gallagher, has emphasized the importance of adaptive reuse of heritage buildings to maintain historical connections while delivering community benefits. The Trust faces numerous challenges but remains dedicated to reviving this prominent landmark, promising a renewed sense of pride and excitement in Invercargill’s central business district