Former Timaru mayor Ray Bennett told Stuff in 2020 the building next to the drill hall was built around 1915-18 and became a motor garage. The old drill hall had earlier been the Olympia, a silent picture house and was built in 1902. During pre-demolition work last year a board with the outline of the former Olympia Theatre sign was uncovered. Valentina Bellomo/Stuff By mid-afternoon steady progress was being made in the demolition. The project remains contentious for some and at a TDC meeting on July 20, Cr Stu Piddington called for a pause to ensure more consultation was made with stakeholders regarding the final design of the theatre upgrade.