New Developments at MOTAT

 

A New Aviation Display Hall

 

MOTAT is the home to New Zealand’s most unique and historic aviation collection. Therefore it is embarking on a project to provide a new Aviation Display Hall so that this collection can be more appropriately housed and exhibited.

 

This project at the MOTAT Meola Road site is in two parts. First is the relocation and refurbishment of our existing Blister Hangar and the second, is the construction of a custom designed building to enhance the display our unique aviation collection.

 

The design below outlines the scope and extent of this significant project for MOTAT, with a planned completion date of 2011.

 

 

 

Part 1 - The Blister Hangar

 

This World War II designed Blister Hangar was extensively used throughout Britain during WW II as a type of transportable aircraft hangar. The arched hangar was constructed of wooden or steel ribs and generally clad in steel sheets. It did not require foundations and could be anchored by iron stakes.

 

MOTAT's Blister Hangar was originally built for the RNZAF during WW II at Ardmore Airfield. It is of a wooden rib design, clad with corrugated steel and a concrete floor. It was in use as an aircraft hangar until it was moved to MOTAT in 1979.

 

At MOTAT it has been used to both house aircraft in the collection and to provide an aircraft restoration workshop for our dedicated aviation volunteers. These volunteers have given thousands of man hours of their time, as part of their commitment to restore historical aircraft to display them for the benefit of future generations.  

 

The cost of the first part of this project is estimated to be $1.6 million.

 

 

 This project is NOW COMPLETED - click here for details

 

 

 

FUND RAISING - Blister Hangar

 MOTAT wishes to thank the following organisations who have already provided financial support to this project and made this project possible;

  • Lottery Grants Board – Environment and Heritage

  • Sir John Logan Campbell Residuary Estate

  • South Auckland Charitable Trust

  • Maurice Paykel Charitable Trust

  • Wingnut Films

  • Clyde Graham Charitable Trust

  • MOTAT Society

  • Auckland Territorial Authorities

  • ASB Community Trust

  • The Southern Trust

 

Part 2 - The New Aviation Display Hangar

Several years planning has already gone into the design and layout of this new building to ensure that when completed it will complement the display, character and uniqueness of the MOTAT collection to our visitors from New Zealand and around the world.

 

The cost of this second part of the project is estimated to be $15.0million.

 

 

Fund Raising

 

MOTAT would like to thank the following organisations who have already provided financial support to this project,

  • ASB Community Trust

  • Lottery Grants Board - Environment and Heritage

  • Sir John Logan Campbell Residuary Estate

MOTAT would ask for your support to undertake this significant building project to provide the appropriate display facilities for its aviation collection.

 

If you would like to assist in funding this project please contact  Warwick Nicoll, Fundraising Manager at warwick.nicoll@motat.org.nz

 

 

 

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For more information, including current events and exhibitions, call the MOTAT Infoline 0800 MOTATNZ (0800 668286)!
MOTAT, Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland, New Zealand.   Tel: +64 9 815 5800   Fax: +64 9846 4242