The Centennial Plunket & Restroom on the corner of Rata and Standish Streets opened in 1940, the result of discussions beginning in 1935 for combined premises.
The building was designed by noted New Plymouth architect T.H. Bates and he called for tenders in March 1940, with Mr A.H. Codd being successful.
The building was officially opened on 17 August 1940 by the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Hon. W.E. Parry. Appropriately, two women, Mrs R. Stuart (Restrooms) and Mrs E. Newland (Plunket section) were given the honour of opening each of the two parts of the building.
The rooms were opened free of debt thanks to community fundraising, voluntary donations, a significant donation form the Inglewood Plunket Society and the Government' centenary subsidy of £370.
Related items:
Centenary Building: Proposal at Inglewood (Taranaki Daily News 7 February 1939)
New Rooms Wanted: Amenities for Women (Taranaki Daily News 27 July 1939)
Official Opening Advertisement (Taranaki Daily News 15 August 1940)
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