Former Staff Celebrate Revival of Historic Hillside Building

Former payroll and accounts staff from the Hillside Workshops recently gathered to celebrate the preservation of a historic building that had been slated for demolition. The two-storey structure, believed to date back to the 1920s, was saved after the Southern Heritage Trust purchased it for $1 from KiwiRail. The restoration effort received a significant boost through a generous donation from Peter and Mary Wells of the Takutai Trust.

On Saturday, the former employees reunited at the site to share their memories and experiences from their time working in the building. Many of these stories were recorded to ensure they become an integral part of the building’s narrative. Among those present was Stuart Penny, who worked there from 1960 to 1981. Penny began his career as a clerical cadet and played a crucial role in managing the manual payroll for over 1,000 staff members at the workshops.

“It was a great place to work, and the staff were all brilliant here,” Penny remarked, expressing how much it meant to him that the building was being saved.

Another attendee, Don Britt, a second-generation employee, emphasized the building’s significance, noting that he makes a point to visit every two years. “Not many workshops like it are around anymore across the country,” he said, highlighting the building’s unique historical value.

The refurbishment of the building is being carried out by Naylor Love, the original construction firm. Plans for the renovation include converting the top floor into office space for the heritage trust, while the ground floor is set to be leased to two community groups next year.

This revitalization project not only preserves a piece of local history but also fosters community engagement through the involvement of former staff and local organizations. The Hillside Workshops building will continue to serve as a reminder of the important contributions made by the workers who once called it home.