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The Hopkirk Building, Wallaceville, Upper Hutt

The Background: The Printing Museum comprises one of the largest collections of printing equipment and the only operating type foundry in the Southern Hemisphere. The collection has recently been enlarged with the Australian Monotype Foundry along with the complete bindery from Parliament’s General Assembly Library. The Museum currently operates from rented space in old army storage buildings in Mangaroa and has more recently established a Book Arts Centre in Thorndon Quay, Wellington (again rented) for classes, demonstrations and workshops.

The Opportunity: On 16th April, 2025 The Printing Museum (TPM) and the developers of Blue Mountain Campus agreed terms for the Sale and Purchase of the Hopkirk Building, the former Wallaceville Animal Research Centre. The sale terms allow a period for TPM to fundraise for the minimum $1 million needed to secure the building.

The Building: The Hopkirk Building is a Category One listed building. With some minor alterations it would make a suitable permanent home for The Printing Museum. The building has been badly neglected in recent years but does not require earthquake strengthening. It will deteriorate further unless a suitable use is found for it. The museum team is confident of assembling its skilled volunteers for the restoration.

The Ambition: The Printing Museum believes that the establishment of a National Printing Museum in an appropriate, iconic building in Wallaceville would be an asset for both the region and the nation. Further, it would serve as a springboard for the long-term plan of a National Centre for Book Arts in central Wellington. At the same time, a listed heritage building could be saved.

Without a permanent home, The Museum and its collection will remain at risk. Nor, will its potential be fully utilised.

Click here to see the letter of support from the Mayor of Upper Hutt.

Our thanks to Greenwood Roche, in particular John Greenwood and Jane McDiarmid, for their substantial pro bono legal work.

BMC Hopkirk Brief.