Restoration work on the famous hut at Knottingley Park and Arboretum has been completed.
The project had been in the pipeline for quite some time and required a lot of planning due to the significance of the building. It is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Waimate.
The hut was built in 1864 in the heart of the Waimate Bush, in an area which is now Princes Street. It was moved to its current site in 1929, as part of the Waimate Jubilee Year celebrations. Originally made from sawn totara slabs, the roof structure and roof panels have been rotting and past repair works have been done with pine.
Council wanted to bring the original look back as much as possible and sourced appropriate materials to do this, including redwood which is similar to the original totara and kauri. The structure was stabilised, and the roof and rotting panels were replaced.
The restoration will ensure this significant part of the district’s history is preserved for years to come.
