By Oamaru Stone (Parkside Quarries)
The Ōamaru Forrester Gallery (formerly known as the Bank of New South Wales) is an iconic museum located in the historic precinct of Ōamaru, New Zealand. It is listed as a Category I site by Heritage NZ, and is funded by the Waitaki District Council. Admission to the museum is free.
The original building was constructed in 1884 to the design of architect R.A. Lawson, and features beautiful Oamaru Stone balustrades, columns and decorative moldings. It served as a bank and manager’s residence until 1979, when the Ōamaru Borough Council acquired the site in exchange for another in the central business district. This was made possible by a substantial bequest left in 1965 by retired architect and former mayor, John Meggett Forrester.
Today, the gallery provides the people of the Waitaki district and wider region with a varied and exciting exhibition programme. It also houses a growing collection of artworks that are of significant importance to the region, thus making the Forrester Gallery a vital part of the cultural life of Ōamaru and the wider region.
Looking for a natural, high-quality limestone for your next building or landscaping project? Look no further than Ōamaru Stone, sourced responsibly from our family-owned quarry in the Waitaki district of New Zealand's South Island. Our limestone boasts exceptional quality and versatility, with custom cutting, carving, and shaping available to bring your unique vision to life. Let the elegance of Ōamaru Stone enhance your next project.
As professionals in the construction industry, you understand the importance of using high-quality, naturally occurring materials in your projects. That's why we want to introduce you to Ōamaru Stone - our architectural limestone sourced responsibly from the abundant, natural limestone deposits found in our family-owned quarry: Parkside Quarry, located in Ōamaru, North Otago. Our family has been involved in farming and quarrying for six generations, resulting in the establishment of Parkside Quarry, Parkside Limeworks, and Ōamaru Stone.
When it comes to constructing modern and sophisticated buildings, you know that the material used makes a significant impact. Since the 1860s, limestone has been quarried from various sites around Otago to construct some of New Zealand's most iconic buildings, including the Oamaru Opera House. Today, Parkside Quarry is the only remaining quarry in Otago, making our Ōamaru Stone limestone a unique and desirable choice for architects and builders alike. Our state-of-the-art facilities utilise advanced machinery, including our 5 Axis CNC Machine, the largest of its kind in New Zealand and one of only two in Australasia. Plus, our low-emission production process and zero-waste policy reflect our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
When it comes to constructing elegant and sophisticated buildings, choosing the right material is crucial. That's why we invite you to turn to Ōamaru Stone for high-quality, responsibly sourced limestone for your next project. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services.