The pumphouse was originally built on the shore of Lake Pupuke as a pumping stations to provide freshwater for the local community.

In 1968 two hundred people attended a public meeting in support of preserving the building and turning it into an arts venue.

Things got heated as local residents clashed with council and North Shore Horticultural Society who also wanted the land.

[6] The PumpHouse was converted to a theatre and arts centre, and opened in 1977 by Takapuna City Council Mayor Fred Thomas.

This was to recognise the contribution of Genevieve Becroft towards saving the historic pumphouse building, and her role as patron of the arts.