This single-storey concrete building was erected in Lower Currie Street (now Centre City) for well-known local firm Newton King Ltd. The architect was Thomas H. Bates, the contractors Jones & Sandford and Purser's Ltd. were responsible for the interior furnishing. It was built as offices and workshops for Newton King's operations in New Plymouth. The company moved into the building on 8 March 1924 and the Taranaki Daily News described the building in some detail on 12 March 1924.
The building was demolished in 1986 to make way for the Centre City complex. The large leadlight dome from the reception area was carefully removed and is now in the New Plymouth District Council's chamber.
It was Eric Mossop (NPCC Energy Dept) and Bruce Priest (NP Energy Manager - operating from the building at the time) who arranged for the dome to be removed in 1986 before demolition and stored for possible future use somewhere in the planned new council building. [B Priest pers comm 1999]
Please do not reproduce these images without permission from Puke Ariki.
Contact us for more information or you can order images online here.
