Funding for the Alex

Published on 20 June 2016

20 June 2016

The Alexander Heritage and Research Library has been awarded $120,117 by the Lottery WW1 Commemorations, Environment and Heritage fund to improve conservation and storage of heritage collections.

The funding will provide a new climate control system in the collection store and mobile shelving to enhance the storage of the community’s heritage material which is held at the Alex.

The Alex has built strong relationships with organisations such as Nga Rauru Kiitahi, the Whanganui River Maori Trust Board, the Whanganui Regional Heritage Trust and the New Zealand Society of Genealogists (Wanganui Branch), which have trusted the Library as a repository for their archives and as a place they can use for safe access to their historical records.

The storage system will be installed by August, following the completion of the Alexander Heritage and Research Library’s earthquake strengthening project which will bring the building up to 67% of the New Building Standard. Improvements as part of the earthquake strengthening project also include refurbished offices and public toilets and an accessibility ramp.

Whanganui District Council spokesperson Pete Gray says he is delighted that the Lottery Grants Board has helped fund work on another of Whanganui’s heritage buildings, following its contribution to earthquake strengthening work for the Royal Wanganui Opera House and the relocation of the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui.

“The heritage collection project ensures the preservation of our important local archives and means the Alex will be able to safely house and care for more historically significant records from the community in the future.

“This award shows that the Lottery Grants Board continues to be supportive of the Council’s programme of protecting our historic buildings and our community’s heritage for current and future generations.”

The Alexander Heritage and Research Library has a temporary home as ‘Alex on Ridgway’, at 62 Ridgway Street while the earthquake strengthening upgrade is completed. It is open from 10.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday.