Auckland Orchestra shocked by proposal to stop restoration of heritage buildings

An orchestra which began playing at the Leys Institute in Ponsonby in 1912 is shocked that plans to restore its buildings could be halted.

The century-old heritage buildings previously housed a library and community spaces, but have been closed since 2019, awaiting strengthening and restoration following the earthquake.

But as part of Auckland Council’s long-term plan, Mayor Wayne Brown has proposed stopping all seismic upgrades to council properties.

Over the past 30 years, the Leys Orchestra has given over 90 concerts, mainly at the Leys Institute Hall.

David Britten, who has led the orchestra since November 1990, said losing its main rehearsal and performance space had been difficult.

“The orchestra went through a difficult time. We lost our home.”

Britten said the community orchestra’s membership numbers had declined significantly since moving to temporary rehearsal spaces in West Auckland.

“It is difficult for new members to join us because we are no longer central. This has been a great success and is an ongoing concern.”

The orchestra’s heritage music collection was also inside the institute, which the group could now not easily access, he explained.

“Some of the music was purchased directly by the Leys Institute Orchestra, but the bulk of the collection includes music donated to the orchestra by orchestras, individuals and other groups over the decades.

“The music that exists in our collection is a valuable legacy of the richness of music played in the city a century ago.”

Auckland councilor Richard Hills believed the Leys Institute in Ponsonby should be restored, despite the mayor’s proposal.

He supported revising Auckland’s seismic requirements to better reflect the city’s seismic risk, but said the Ponsonby buildings were a unique case.

“There is a strong expectation from the community for this to be achieved.”

He said Waitematā Local Council planned to sell three properties to help with the costs of restoring the buildings.

The future of the institute is expected to be decided by Auckland Council next month.