Keen collectors will be able to secure a piece of history as items in the old Masterton Town Hall come up for auction this week.

Among the items for sale are theatre chairs, retro furniture, crockery, and vintage fixtures and fittings.

Funds generated from the auction will go into the town hall project budget.

With the building destined for demolition, the contents were assessed by Woody Robinson, a Wairarapa local and owner of Storytellers vintage.

“There is some great stuff in there.” he says. “I’m delighted so much of it will get a second life and go to new homes where it can be treasured and enjoyed.”

Significant historical items like the stained glass artwork in the foyer will be removed and preserved for reuse in a future project.

The online auction will open with an initial round of listings on Wednesday 20 August, with more lots to be added.

Anyone interested in bidding can visit www.townhallauction.co.nz to view the catalogue and register an account.

Project Manager Laura MacLean wants to see items go back to the community, if that’s where they belong.

“We’ve done our best to research all items before listing them, but if anyone spots something with a special story or connection that we should know about, I’d ask them to get in touch with us before the auction closes. That way it can be withdrawn and returned or gifted to the right place.”

The auction will close on Wednesday 3 September. Payment will be required within three days of the sale and all items are to be picked up within one week of the auction closing.

The Council will award the Town Hall demolition contract at their meeting on 27 August and work to begin salvaging materials is expected to begin in September.