Steampunk HQ to open for public

Jonathan Chilton-Towle | Wednesday, November 23, 2011 10:00

STEAM PUNKS: Two Steampunk HQ creators Jac Grenfell (left) and Don Paterson.

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For the last two and a half years Oamaruvians have been wondering what on earth is going on inside the Steampunk HQ building on Tyne St.

From this weekend onwards the building is to be open to public viewing from 10am to 4pm, seven days a week.

The HQ opened its doors for the first time on Sunday and around 350 people came through to see what all the fuss was about.

Visitors are greeted at the door by the slightly unnerving doll-like form of the steampunk in-flight attendant.

Then they pass through a tardis which transports them to a parrallel universe where electricity was never invented and steam powers futuristic technological marvels many of which are on display.

Steampunk HQ was the brainchild of local men Brian de Geest, Don Paterson and Jac Grenfell, who have unleashed their imaginations to create everything within the builing (and the steampunk train in front of it as well).

Mr Paterson said they see the HQ as a work-in-progess and will be adding to new things to it all the time.

Entry will cost $10 per head and family deals will be available as well.

Merchandise including steampunk t-shirts, caps and limited edition prints of steampunk artwork will be on sale.

Mr Grenfell said they were also looking at creating simple steampunk games and applications for iPads and other devices.

For more information about Steampunk HQ check out their website at www.steampunkoamaru.co.nz.