The Archives Research Centre Redevelopment Project 2008-2009
Last Update 19 December 2008
|
|
The Present Archives Research Centre Office in the Hewitson Wing Basement. Three permanent staff work in this room which will be retained for storage purposes only.
The Archives Research Centre redevelopment project involves the transfer of all staff and most on-site records from the present inadequate basement storage and office area of the Knox College Hewitson Wing to the ground and first floor of the adjoining Centennial Wing. The Archives have been located in the basement of the Theological wing for the last 20 years and since 1998 has extended into space on the ground floor previously used by the Theological Hall. The past twenty years has seen a continuing increase in the acquisition of archives and records along with a corresponding increase in staff numbers from one to five placing pressure on our work place environment. The relocation into the Centennial Wing will bring together on the ground floor the Archives administration, processing and research facilities with adjoining direct ground level access from the outside of the building. Approximately 1000 metres of shelf storage space will be located on the first floor.
The project will include :
 |
 |
 |
| The present 'temporary' storage room on the ground floor. This area is being re-developed for use by the Knox Centre for Ministry & Leadership and must be vacated. |
The work area in the current 'temporary' storage room on the ground floor. Two permanent staff use this area including one part time staff-member. This area is being re-developed for use by the Knox Centre for Ministry & Leadership and must be vacated. | The present small reader's room adjoining the work room on the ground floor. This room is now also used for storage due to lack of any other available space. This area is being re-developed for use by the Knox Centre for Ministry & Leadership and must be vacated. |
3 October 2008 : Redevelopment grant of $756,000 Approved :
"[The] General Assembly [of the Presbyterian Church of Aoteoaroa New Zealand] has agreed to commit $756,000 to redevelop space in Knox College’s Hewitson wing for the Presbyterian Archives. The Rev Dr Murray Rae presented the proposal, which emphasised the necessity of shifting the Archives from its current inadequate location. This space will be reclaimed to meet the needs of the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership. The Archives collection includes parish and missionary records in excess of 1500 linear metres, photographs, marriage and baptism indexes, and personal papers. Many questions of clarification were asked, covering whether other options had been explored, the possibility of technological storage options, and the cost of the project. Murray said that the redevelopment cost is less than other avenues that had been explored, including housing the Archives on a new site and renting storage space. Speakers in favour of the proposal spoke of the value and irreplaceable nature of the Archives, and their significance for the Church today and in the future." (Extract from General Assembly News Bulletin, October 2008)
 |
 |
| The present basement archives storage area. This area will be reclaimed by the Hewitson Libary as part of their stack. Our two concrete lined secure storage vaults will be retained. | The audio project work area in the basement. This area includes map and plan cabinets plus audio and video tape storage. Frosted windows are above head height. This area will be vacated if a suitable alternative area can be found. |
The New Archives Research Centre Location in the Centennial Wing
 |
 |
The Centennial Wing, North West Aspect |
The Centennial Wing, South East Aspect |
Current Status 19 December 2008 : Tenders accepted
Redevelopment work on the Centennial Wing commencing early January 2009.
Close this Window to Return to the Main Screen or click HERE to view the Archives Research Centre Website.