The Leys Institute has been closed since 2019. Photo: Supplied by Friends of Leys Institute
Four Auckland heritage sites will receive $22 million in funding to strengthen them against earthquakes.
Auckland's Leys Institute and Library will receive $9.5m for earthquake strengthening, after being closed for the last five years.
It was feared the historic Ponsonby building built in 1905 would remain closed after a halt on seismic strengthening by Auckland Council last month.
"The Leys Institute is a unique and historically significant taonga in Tāmaki Makaurau," councillor Richard Hills, chairperson of the Planning, Environment and Parks Committee, said in a statement.
Friends of Leys Institute coordinator Helen Geary applauded the plan.
"After advocating for close to five years for the Leys Institute seismic upgrade and restoration, the hundreds of members of Friends of Leys Institute and the local community will be relieved the project will progress.
"Our precious library and listed heritage building has been an integral part of the Ponsonby community for 120 years and we will be delighted to have it back."
The Planning, Environment and Parks committee has now allocated a total of $22m for work on heritage buildings over the next four years.
The Remuera Library, Titirangi War Memorial Hall and Library and the Nathan Homestead will also receive funding.
