The Orakei Local Board held a meeting for people who currently use the Meadowbank Community Centre to discuss the site redevelopment. It was a very important meeting and first step on this journey. Topics covered were:
• Projected redevelopment timelines
• Relocation assistance for groups
• Funding opportunities
• New centre development and community engagement opportunities.
The meeting was well attended and there was much lively discussion with plenty of questions and concerns raised. What’s proposed is a much larger indoor space (potentially 600 m2 compared to 250 m2) on the ground floor that can accommodate the activities currently held at MCC, Tahapa Hall and elsewhere, but less outdoor space. In addition, the OLB offices (about 150 m2) will be on the ground floor. Four stories above (to the Unitary Plan height limit) are proposed for apartments built to 6-star building standard.
The formal consultation process will open soon ahead of consenting and construction, which may begin as soon as October 2019. We’ll keep you posted, and will very likely make a collective submission.
We have been informed that there should be no change to way the centre is operated until the 7th July 2019, when the current operational contract ends. From the 8th July until the start of the redevelopment (date still unknown) the centre will temporarily be managed by Auckland Council, ensuring groups still have access to the facility until the redevelopment starts.
As requested at the user group meeting, below is a updated list of frequently asked questions around the redevelopment of the centre.
FAQ’s (correct as of 25/10/18)
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When will the current centre close? The Ōrākei Local Board has approved the redevelopment of the Meadowbank Community Centre site. This project is being led by Panuku Development Auckland (Panuku) an Auckland Council organisation that focuses on development and regeneration. Panuku is in the process of engaging a building partner. Building timelines will be agreed and approved once this partner is identified. Once a building partner has been approved a building time line will be agreed upon. The centre will remain open until the redevelopment starts. |
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Will the Meadowbank Community Centre House Incorporated (The Trust) continue to operate the centre? The Meadowbank Community Centre House Incorporated (The Trust) will continue to operate the centre until expiry of its contract 30 June 2019. A weeks extension has been granted to allow time for the Trust to end operational matters in alignment with the end of the programme term. We would like to acknowledge the Meadowbank Community Centre House Incorporated and their staff for their longstanding years of community service to the Meadowbank Community. |
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What will happen to the centre between the 8th July and the start of the redevelopment? During the interim period 8th July 2019 and the start of redevelopment operational management will be undertaken by Auckland Council. Existing groups will get priority over any new bookings during this period and legacy room rates will still apply. |
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Where can my group/programme operate from during the redevelopment? Auckland Council staff will assist current user groups find suitable spaces to relocate their groups/programme should they require this support. This could include other Auckland Council community venues or community operated venues in the area. If a suitable venue is found it will be the responsibility of each group to complete their relocation directly with their new venue provider. |
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What can I do if the space I move to during the redevelopment is more expensive than my current space? If there is a difference between the current charges at Meadowbank Community Centre and your new venue, you can apply to the Ōrākei Local Board for a grant to cover the different. The Ōrākei Local Board has made a commitment to supporting community groups to continue to operate during the redevelopment, with the long-term vision that they re-join the new community centre when it is open. |
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Will my group/programme fit in the new centre? The configuration or floor plan of the new community centre has not been designed yet, this will be designed with the feedback and information provided by the current and future user groups in future community consultations. |
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What will the inside of the new centre look like? The new development will be a mixed-use building. The ground floor will be a community space and the above floors residential apartments. The building is yet to be designed but it will be guided by the Unitary Plan. The interior layout and configuration of the new community centre has not been designed yet, there will be consultation (including current user groups) once a building partner has been appointed to shape the inside of the centre. We are expecting the new community centre to have an internal floor space of approximately 550m2 (currently 263m2). There are also plans for the Ōrākei Local Board Office to be part of the centre (in addition to the 550m2). |
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Will there be a Licenced Early Childhood Education Centre built into the new community centre? There is no plan to incorporate a Licenced Early Childhood Education Centre into this centre. The centre will be designed for people and groups of all ages to cater for a wide variety of activity. |
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Will there be carparking? There will be separated parking for residents and community centre users, the exact numbers and configuration is yet to be finalised, but it will be guided by the Unitary Plan. |
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Will the Ōrākei Local Board Office be relocated in to the new community centre? It is intended that the new community centre will incorporate space for the Ōrākei Local Board and council staff. |
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When the new centre be open? These details are not yet known. Panuku is currently looking for a building partner to complete the redevelopment. Once a building partner has been approved a building time line, including estimated completion date, will be agreed. |
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When the new centre is open, who will manage it? During the redevelopment process the Ōrākei Local Board will make decisions on the future operating model for the Meadowbank Community Centre. The Ōrākei Local Board has favoured a community led model for many of their local community centres, this approach is strategically aligned to council and local board outcomes, empowering communities to deliver. This model empowers a community organisation to be the centre’s operational decision-makers. |
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How can I be kept up to date regarding the redevelopments? Information and developments will be updated to the Panuku website www.panuku.co.nz |
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Who can help me find a suitable space to continue to run my group/programme? Relocation enquiries; Susan Ropati Places Manager, Auckland Council Funding enquiries; Kev Carter Strategic Broker, Auckland Council |