It's been a big wait and an even bigger investment. But this weekend sees the official opening of the final piece of Hastings' cultural precinct, Toitoi - the restored Municipal Building.
It's taken eight years to finish the earthquake strengthening for the over 70-year-old Category One heritage building. Today the community was invited to come and explore it.
People from around the country who'd danced in the building's famous Assembly Hall from 1950 to when it was closed in 2014 were invited to do it again on the restored, original sprung dance floor.
Megan Peacock-Coyle knows the precinct well. She's the Arts & Culture Manager for Hastings District Council and she talks with Lynn Freeman about the past - and now the future - of the Municipal Building.
