The archway originally stood near the Grand Hotel before being relocated to its position at the Government Gardens\u2019 entrance.<\/p>\n
The structure underwent a major reconstruction in 1974 and remains one of Rotorua\u2019s most recognisable heritage landmarks.<\/p>\n
Prince\u2019s Gate Hotel is across the road from the archway. Its former owner Brett Marvelly told the Rotorua Daily Post he agreed safety was \u201cnumber one\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut [by] the same token, you cannot replicate history. Once you take history away, it never comes back.\u201d<\/p>\n
Marvelly said the archway was a wooden structure, \u201cso as far as strengthening it, that wouldn\u2019t be a problem\u201d.<\/p>\n
Marvelly said he would like to see an independent review of \u201cwhoever\u2019s come up with this decision of taking it down and having a look at it\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s too easy to throw away things that can never be replicated.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said the 125-year-old archway was an \u201cicon\u201d and a \u201cvery photographed gate\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn regard to the history, it\u2019s a fabric of our society.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rotorua architectural designer Darryl Church said he drew inspiration from the archway when converting a factory building to the Tompkins Wake Rotorua office on Arawa St, one block from the Prince\u2019s Gate.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe took some inspiration from the sort of timber-like latticework from the gateway, and we applied that to the facade of the building.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said it was \u201cquite a contemporary interpretation of it\u201d.<\/p>\n
Rotorua architectural designer Darryl Church said he drew inspiration from the Prince\u2019s Gate Archway when converting a factory building to the Tompkins Wake Rotorua office on Arawa St. Photo \/ Megan Wilson<\/p>\n
Church said he would love to see the \u201cunique\u201d archway rebuilt.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there\u2019s parts of that structure that can be reinstated and reused, then that would be nice, I think, to have those materials a part of that original story.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut if that\u2019s not possible or cost-prohibitive, then I think rebuilding it in new materials but to the original design would be a good outcome.\u201d<\/p>\n
Church said the archway was a \u201cdefining gateway\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m almost certain if you held up a photo of it and showed it around … most people would be able to instantly identify it as the entranceway to the Government Gardens.\u201d<\/p>\n
He understood the council had to do the \u201cresponsible thing\u201d by taking it down for safety reasons.<\/p>\n
Local historian and author Phil Andrews QSM said he hoped the archway could be strengthened and maintained.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s certainly an important feature in Rotorua\u2019s history.\u201d<\/p>\n
Deconstruction to begin in two to three months <\/p>\n
Council group manager of community experience Alex Wilson said the council sought advice from independent expert engineering consultancy Blueline Consulting.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo decisions have been made on the future of the Prince\u2019s Gateway Arches.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson said the purpose of the inspection was to \u201cvisually assess\u201d the structural condition and stability of the lattice arch structure after loose timber was removed. <\/p>\n
The council website said assessments found \u201cimportant structural elements\u201d of the arches had reached their natural life expectancy.<\/p>\n
The archway needed to be removed to enable any repair, reconstruction or replacement work, it said.<\/p>\n
The council intended to \u201ccarefully deconstruct the structure and retain materials where possible rather than demolishing it\u201d and the parts would be securely stored.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will enable us to preserve it while future decisions are made … \u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson said the council would appoint a project manager. <\/p>\n
Deconstruction was expected to begin in two to three months, Wilson said.<\/p>\n
Wilson reiterated the structure could not safely remain in place and public safety was the priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are monitoring forecasts and if high wind warnings are predicted we will close the area off as a precautionary measure. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe structure is not considered unsafe for the public in normal conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n