Cambridge Town Hall

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In the early 1900s, Cambridge was buzzing with change. When it was suggested that the saleyards should move from Jubilee Gardens to Taylor Street, many townsfolk were outraged. The hotels would lose business, they said, and the town would wither away.

But Mayor W. F. (Frank) Buckland had a bigger vision. He wanted that site for a grand new Town Hall. It was to be the final step in his ten-year plan to modernise Cambridge. With townspeople agreeing to take out a £5,000 loan, the project could begin.

From 14 different submissions, architect A. B. Herrold’s design was chosen. But there was a hitch. The lowest construction tender came in £194 over budget. The Council refused to budge, and Mayor Buckland dramatically resigned on the spot. Two days later, he returned with the support he needed, and construction went ahead. By 1909, Cambridge had its Town Hall.

A Gathering Place

Since its opening in 1909, the Town Hall has been a gathering place for the town and surrounding areas. It was built by Chappell & Wooley, and thanks to a generous grant from American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, it also housed Cambridge’s library until 1977.

Today, the Town Hall is recognised as a Category 2 Historic Building by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Owned by Waipā District Council, it continues to serve as a welcoming hub for locals and visitors alike.

In 1916, the Hall hosted one of the town’s first ANZAC Day commemorations. Later, during the 1918 influenza epidemic, it was turned into a temporary hospital – a move that is believed to have saved many lives.

The Hall was once the place to see movies. “Town Hall Talkies” brought animated and talking films to Cambridge in the 1930s drawing crowds from across the district. From 1982 to 1989, the Prince William Theatre ran here as a popular cinema.

Over the years, the Town Hall has welcomed royalty, prime ministers, and community leaders. From the Prince of Wales in 1920, to Queen Elizabeth II in 1954, Princess Anne in 1974, and the Prince and Princess of Wales in 2014, the Hall has proudly hosted moments of national significance. Closer to home, it was an honour to host Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu in 1972.

From flower shows and dances to political debates, the Hall has always been alive with activity. Today, it remains the home of events such as the Rotary Book Fair, the Cambridge Christmas Festival, and the Waipā Networks Business Awards. Music, theatre, exhibitions, and festivals continue to make the Town Hall a lively centre for culture and community.

For more information, visit the Cambridge Town Hall website www.cth.co.nz