The closure of the Leys Institute in December 2019, the 4 years of community consultation and the advocacy of the Waitematā Local Board for the seismic strengthening and restoration of these treasured regionally and nationally significant heritage buildings have been reported on in several earlier CTA posts.

Friends of Leys Institute is now requesting that Auckland Council’s governing body immediately allocate sufficient funds so that this work can proceed. Helen Geary, Friends of Leys Institute Coordinator (a previous CTA Board member) is interviewed here on RNZ.

CTA’s 6 June letter to the mayor re the Leys included the following points:

“It is CTA’s understanding that building and resource consents are in process, as well as seismic upgrade planning and contracts for heritage architects, but that progress towards restoration appears to have faltered ….

“Now would seem to be the right time to proceed with the planned restoration work. Leaving the buildings unattended for longer will mean higher costs in the future ….

“It is Auckland Council’s role to identify, protect and enhance the region’s heritage, as well as retaining and maintaining its assets. The Leys Institute Buildings are fit for purpose to serve future generations. The approved proposed works (with preliminary tasks already underway) are necessary for both heritage and community outcomes, and we encourage Council to proceed with these works without further delay.”

Photo credit main image: Connor Conway, Ponsonby News

Smaller image: Friends of Leys Institute, May 2024