The St Bathans Hall is the oldest continually used mud brick hall in New Zealand. It was built in 1892/93 by the local publican as a public hall ‘suitable for theatrical and other entertainment’. Later uses included a Masonic Lodge, school room, mining company office, picture theatre and dance hall. It is now classified as a Category II historic place and is one of 21 sites in the Otago Goldfields Park.
It is typical of community halls built during the gold mining years, though rare in its large size. An original mural at the back of the stage adds a distinctive air of the past to the interior.
The hall is held in high regard by the St Bathans community, who have united to ensure its retention and regular use. Many of them have direct links to the miners and settlers who originally used the hall.
The St Bathans Hall is open to the public from Labour Weekend to Easter every year.
The St Bathans Community Hall is a unique venue for your next function
Approved Range Of Community Uses For The St Bathans Hall:
Bookings
The Manager (SBACA) shall take bookings, collect relevant charges and supply information with regard to bookings at least five working days in advance of an activity being undertaken with the exception of this notice for funerals.
Occupancy is not to exceed 98 persons.
All exit doors are to remain clear at all times.
All external doors are to be unlocked.