Kirsty Johnson knows the grand old lady isn’t quite finished — but she’s proud of how far she’s come.
Cambridge Town Hall Trust chair Kirsty Johnson at the open day. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Speaking at the Cambridge Town Hall Open Day on Saturday, Johnson – who since 2021 has chaired the trust overseeing the hall on behalf of Waipā District Council – described the progress as “a dream come true.”
Renovations of the Victorian and Edwardian side rooms, which began earlier this year, are now complete. Air conditioning has been installed and roof repairs finished.
Trustees mingled with visitors, sharing stories and discussing the master plan – a vision that includes breathing new life into the former Prince William Theatre upstairs.
The space operated as a cinema from 1982 to 1989 and later as a rehearsal area for Cambridge High School band Trinket – which went on to achieve global success as The Datsuns.
Now, there’s talk of returning it to its original purpose – an open gallery bathed in sunlight from restored semi-circular windows overlooking the Town Hall Piazza. Other ideas include a bespoke cocktail bar with a mezzanine offering sweeping views of the hall’s interior.
Checking out the now closed Prince William Theatre were, from left Dianne Cooper, Sandi Baker, Christine Blake, Tony Antoniadis, Jim Cooper and Karen Johnson. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
General manager Simon Brew said he was pleased with the turnout even if he forgot to put a people counter on the door.
About 500 people went through most of them in the first hour from 11am.
“We’re proud to unveil the results of our recent renovations.
“This open day was a great opportunity for the community to see how the Town Hall continues to evolve as a vibrant, flexible venue.”
Cambridge Town Hall Open Day featuring Jason Wilcox plays as Jazzguitar Jase and teaches at St Peter’s School in Cambridge.. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Johnson said the renovations came in slightly under budget, allowing some of the surplus to be used for maintenance – including cosmetic improvements in the main hall, where peeling wallpaper is an obvious issue.
The biggest game-changer, she said, has been the kitchen upgrade.
“It was a residential kitchen and now it is a full commercial kitchen available to be used by caterers.”
She said the trust’s early years involved a lot of planning and consultation.
“We’ve been really conservative with our spending, making sure we don’t need to redo anything or do things twice.”
Johnson, a volunteer like the other trustees, has no immediate plans to step down. Trustees can serve up to five years.
“The master plan is probably the next big thing I want to kick off,” she said.
Built in 1909, Cambridge Town Hall is a Category 2 historic building recognised by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. It originally served as both the town hall and borough offices.
Checking out the now closed Prince William Theatre
Karen Johnson took people on a tour of the Prince William Theatre at the Cambridge Town Hall Open Day
Through the looking glass: the view from the projection room out through the dirty windows towards the Cenotaph. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
