More than 600 people attended the celebration on Friday afternoon marking the completion of the restoration and earthquake strengthening works at Hamner Springs Soldier's Block. Photo: Supplied
After two decades of silence, the historic Soldiers' Block at Queen Mary Hospital in Hanmer Springs reopened on Anzac Day.
Built in 1916 to provide a sanctuary for traumatised soldiers returning from World War I, the heritage-listed building has now been restored and reopened as a community centre.
Around 600 people attended the opening on Friday afternoon, drawing locals, veterans, iwi, and officials.
Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said Anzac Day was the perfect time to reopen the site.
"There could be no more fitting day than Anzac Day to reopen this place of healing," Black said.
"For over a century, it has held the stories of those who came home changed by war. Today, it begins a new chapter still grounded in care, still serving the people."
The restored Hanmer Springs Soldier's Block, which is almost finished. Photo: Hurunui District Council / Supplied
The Soldiers' Block is the last intact structure of its kind in the country, with its octagonal design once believed to enhance healing by maximising natural light and airflow. It served for decades as a psychiatric and addiction treatment facility before closing in 2003.
Now, after years of planning, lobbying and fundraising, the building has been transformed into a modern community facility. It includes a hall with a new kitchen and bathrooms, space for a community gym, and areas for meetings, movie screenings, and events.
Local builder Mark O'Brien, who led the restoration project, said the craftsmanship of the original build was inspiring.
A historic picture of the Soldiers' Block in the early 1900's. Photo: SUPPLIED
"We uncovered beautiful jarrah floorboards, rimu lining, even clever sliding windows we think were designed for fresh-air treatment. The craftsmanship from over a hundred years ago is phenomenal, and we've done our best to honour that in every detail," he said.
Judith Batchelor, the council's chief strategy and community officer, said the restoration also includes future plans for a cultural installation created in partnership with Wētā Workshop, along with a wharenui for Ngāti Kurī, acknowledging Hanmer Springs' significance as a traditional resting point en route to the West Coast.
"The reopening is hugely significant, not just to Hanmer Springs or the Hurunui District but to all of New Zealand," Batchelor said.
The project was backed by nearly $4m in funding from the Lotteries Foundation, the Rātā Foundation, and government support, as well as local development contributions and earthquake-prone building funds.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
