King George V Coronation Hall (21 Library Lane)

Following the death of King Edward VII in 1910, Albany residents gathered funds to erect a community hall to celebrate the new king, George V of the United Kingdom. Land to the east of the village that had once been owned by Michael Mahoney and was then under the management of the Albany Fruit Growers’ Association was acquired for the facility. The overgrown field was trimmed and Frank Robertson of Birkenhead was brought in to design and build the structure. The building was made entirely of old growth kauri wood, while the inside trim was oiled rimu and the floor made using matai. The completed hall opened on 3 November 1911, with Ewen W. Alison presiding over the ceremony.

The hall immediately became the venue of choice for all local events. Dances, public meetings, church services, important ceremonies, and formal visits by politicians all took place at the hall. Outside, Thomas Hooten, president of the Fruit Growers’ Association, planted the acorn of an oak tree that now stands tall beside the tennis courts. Allegedly, this acorn had been gifted to New Zealand by Queen Victoria from Windsor Great Park in England. Now named the Albany Hall, the facility is a Category B heritage building.

Cross Library Lane in front of Albany Hall, and then continue south. Stop when the road reaches Albany Highway.