NEW WINTER SHOW BUILDING

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 249, 21 July 1928, Page 10

NEW WINTER SHOW BUILDING

TRANSFORMING "JAM TIN GULLY” WORK MAY BE FINISHED IN TWO.MONTHS Upon that area, of waste land previously and somewhat irreverently known as ",tai../Tin Gully” there is now arising the new home of the Wellington Show Association. The work of construction is well under way, and Mr. J. T. Watson, the architect, gave yesterday as his opinion that the structure would probably be finished toward the end of September. At present the scene at the building is one of considerable industry, large gangs being hard at work on the preparation of the roof for its covering of corrugated asbestos, and rows of skylights. Of the 73,400 square feet of roof-fram-ing erected, 29.000 square feet has been completed, while 29,000 square feet has yet to be erected and covered. A commencement is to be made on the remainder of the overhead work on Monday next. As it will probably remain this year after the conclusion of operations, the building lies with its front line 50 feet behind the final position, which the facade will occupy. In the basement, which has been leased, it is understood, to the Defence Department for training purposes, cattle will be exhibited at show time. On the main floor are four large halls, between which rises an elevated promenade floor, commanding a balcony view of the halls below. This is intended primarily for dancing. Entrance is given through the present main door into a ball 290 ft. x 100 ft. The whole 100 ft. span is accomplished without any central support whatsoever, leaving 29,000 ft. << unbroken floor space, which is to be completely timbered. This has already been taken by the Manufacturers’ Association. Adjoining are four other halls, three of which are 50ft. and one 90ft. in width. The idea has been mooted of utilising these as indoor tennis courts, ns both the “Malthoid” and concrete types of flooring employed lend themselves to this purpose. Where the “Malthoid” lies above the place in which it. is intended to exhibit stock. The overlap has been sealed with cement. Excavations are in progress at the back of the grounds for the formation of a children’s play area.