A slice of 1950’s history in need of some tender love and care is for sale. 

The Omakau District Memorial Community Centre - known as the Omakau Hall - on the main street of Omakau has been listed with real estate business Raine & Horne.

The 430sqm building, on 875 sqm of land, needs someone with plenty of do it yourself (DIY) skills according to real estate agent Rhys Chamberlain.

Rhys has marketed plenty of Central properties with unique features in the past including a former flour mill in Oturehua, but this is the first time a community hall has been on his books.

“It’s only been on the market for three days and I’ve had a couple of inquiries already.

“It’s on [the market] over the Christmas period so we will catch everyone in town.”

“We don’t know what it is worth at all, the government valuation is around $265K, but with an auction we’ll have to see,” Rhys said. 

“There’s a bit of chatter about it and the locals are all aware it’s up for sale.”

The property will be auctioned on January 24 at Raine and Horne’s office in Omakau.

Proceeds from the sale of the hall will go towards the Omakau Community Hub project. 

Rhys described the hall as “a bit tired”, it has multiple rooms, including main hall, stage and backstage area, two smaller meeting rooms, a kitchen and bathrooms. 

The retro ticket booth at the entrance. PHOTO: Supplied 

There are exits out of the building into an outside area. The property is bordered on either side by presently operating local businesses.

Rhys said at one point the hall was going to be demolished and turned into a green space back in 2007.

“That didn’t happen, I’m not sure why.”

The hall could be reinvented under a new owner with a vision and practical skills, Rhys said.

The New Zealand History website states the hall includes the First and Second World War rolls of honour. 

The names of the fallen in The Great War 1914 -1918. PHOTO: NZ History

The roll of honour from The World War 1939 -1945. PHOTO: NZ History

Facebook group Omakau and Ophir Community News reminded local community groups to check all equipment had been removed. The hall used to be used for childcare and by other groups. 

To find out more about the property contact Rhys Chamberlain. 

Read more: Omakau community hub progressing

Check out The Central App’s real estate section here

Read more: Cromwell memorial hall build $760,000 into contingency

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