Wānaka Youth and Community Centre on track
Wānaka’s new Youth and Community Centre is nearing completion and set to open at the end of July. The centre will include two multi-use indoor courts, a separate studio (which could be used for dance or various classes), and dedicated areas for Kahu Youth and Aspiring Gymsports. Work to transform the old Mitre 10 building has been ongoing and a 10-year lease with additional rights to renew commenced on 1 May 2022.
The centre is a welcome addition for sports and community groups in the area, many of whom have reported needing new facilities in the coming years. It will alleviate stress for Aspiring Gymsports and Kahu Youth, giving them a permanent home – Aspiring Gymsports have been lobbying the council to provide an appropriate venue for its growing club, and Kahu Youth have said that they outgrew their current building a couple of years ago.
The total budget for the project is approximately $4.2 million, which is an increase of $90,000 on the initial budget approved due to additional fire protection measures. The council estimates the centre will generate close to $375k annually for programmes and venue hire.
Back in May of 2022, the council opened up an expression of interest from any local groups that required new or additional space for their activities – the form has now officially closed. The purpose of the form was to ensure they captured the needs of a broad range of groups that would want to use the facility and assess how to accommodate demand. Priority was given to not-for-profit groups.
Gabriela Flessak is the Wānaka Facility Coordinator at Queenstown Lakes District Council and has reported that a lot of progress has been made on the building in a short period of time.
“I had a sneak peek inside last week and it’s exciting to see it taking shape,” says Gabriela. “Some internal features are now also taking shape with framing in place for the studio and Kahu Youth spaces. Floors have been polished; walls have been repaired and painted.”
The council are thrilled to have the project underway. Everyone is really looking forward to the facility opening up for community use.
“The project represents an important investment for the Upper Clutha community to help meet demand now and over the coming years. The centre will complement the Wānaka Recreation Centre by offering additional bookable indoor court and activity space while providing dedicated space for Aspiring Gymsports and Kahu Youth. This flexible, multi-purpose facility will provide space to accommodate several different sports clubs, groups and community organisations. It will also provide opportunities for the development of new programmes.
“From early stages of identifying a community need to where we are today, major milestones have been achieved. Project scoping, engagement with local sports and community groups, concept designs, planning, funding, procurement and construction tender are some of the many steps and stages involved in a project of this nature,” says Gabriela.
