More than 50 Cambridge Community Menz Shed members are restoring a former dairy factory – which they will eventually call home.
Concrete laying in Cambridge Menzshed. Photo: Michael Jeans
That building on the corner of Lamb and Carlyle streets in Leamington was built about 120 years ago and more recently has been slowly deteriorating.
Members saw it just prior to last Christmas and secretary Myles Prebble said despite its condition, it was a perfect size and location for their use.
The project has had considerable support from the business community. Contractor Paul Garland donated the use of machinery and staff to clear the site – and members have contributed hundreds of hours to clear out the building, demolish unwanted walls and water blast inside and out.
Concrete laid for Cambridge Menzshed
Most recently a team from GDK Contracting in Cambridge laid a concrete floor – new wiring and lighting and a full pipe-out and plumbing installation are to come. BuildLink Cambridge has also provided materials and expertise.
Over the next two months the roof will be repaired and roller doors installed at each end of the building. Shed members will repair weatherboards and paint the exterior, before starting the internal partitioning and lining for a workshop, kitchen and smoko-room.
Waipā District Council’s property projects specialist, Andrew Don and Cambridge Community Menzshed outside the historic Leamington Dairy Factory. Photo: Supplied.
“Over the years the old building became the headquarters of some very prominent Cambridge businesses including J D Wallace and Ross Todd,” Prebble said. “This history has piqued the interest of one of the Menz Shed members who is researching and compiling a complete history of the building, and in due course the group intend to put up several information boards displaying this history along their road frontage.”
The Menz Shed have signed a long-term lease on the building. The restoration project is expected to cost around $75,000 funded by grants and donations.
Prebble said that there is a wave of support within the community for this project.
See: Sent to the sheds ….
See: Searching for a shed
See: At last, a place of their own
Concrete laying and water blasting in Cambridge Menzshed.
