Community centre pins hopes on Ashurst Park site
Pukete Neighbourhood House hopes to open its new facility to coincide with its 40th anniversary – as long as a proposal to reclassify a section of Ashurst Park goes ahead.
Manager Scott Tiffany was one of four submitters who addressed councillors at the regulatory and hearings committee recently over the proposal, which would allow for the development of a purposebuilt new community centre.
The facility was initially set to be built between 29 and 31 Ashurst Avenue but residents vehemently opposed the proposal, leading city councillors to unanimously agree to an alternative plan for a new $8 million standalone centre near the existing Te Rapa Sportsdrome.
The current neighbourhood house sits within the Sportsdrome, but creating a new facility is seen as better serving community needs.
Council received a total of 92 responses on the reclassification.
Seventy were in support, 15 opposed and six were unsure or didn’t have an opinion.
Tiffany said while he had not always found himself in “complete alignment with all perspectives surrounding this project” he respected the democratic process and felt most submitters supported what the centre does.
“I am content with the outcome we have achieved and firmly believe that this chosen location effectively addresses the concerns voiced by some residents regarding the previous proposal.
“The proposed reclassification, as you know, opens the door to the construction of a purpose built community centre, a significant endeavour not undertaken by our city in two decades.”
If things proceed, Tiffany said Pukete House envisioned opening the new building to the community in 2026 to coincide with the organisations 40th anniversary.
The proposal will be reviewed by the community and natural environments committee on April 9.