Work starts on Hamilton's Celebrating Age Centre repairs

Friday, 5 December 2025

After being closed for years, Hamilton’s Celebrating Age Centre will be back in use in the second half of 2026, the council says.

Long-awaited repairs are due to start the week of December 8 in a $3.5m project that includes roof strengthening and air conditioning work.

The council-owned Victoria St building has been closed since 2021 due to roof damage, water leaks and pest issues. Once the restoration work is finished it will return more than 1000m² of community space to the central city, a city council statement said.

Former tenant Age Concern, which had to move out, will also be back once repairs are complete.

Hamilton City Council confirmed the repair timeline on Friday. The project will retain the building’s existing footprint, strengthen the roof, and modernise its fire, electrical and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems.

Work should be finished in the second half of 2026, the council said.

It was great to have work start, Parks and Recreation unit director Maria Barrie said.

“The Celebrating Age Centre is an important asset for our city which has been missed by community groups during its closure. We’re looking forward to seeing the repairs complete and the centre reopened for community use next year.”

The renewal comes after several years of uncertainty.

The building had cost the council more than $400,000 in maintenance and upkeep between its closure and August 2025, including scaffolding, pest control, and annual operating expenses.

The council considered various future options for the building - including offices and housing - but none proved viable. Councillors backed the restoration plan in April 2024.

Age Concern will return to the restored building as a tenant. The council said it will also seek Expressions of Interest in early 2026 from other community and recreation groups interested in leasing space there.