Press release from Whakatipu Community Hub Charitable Trust
29th March 2023
Huge Leap forward for Urgently Needed Facility
Queenstown Lakes District Councillors have unanimously approved a lease that will enable the construction of the long planned Whakatipu Community Hub. This is a major step forward for the social agencies of the area and their clients, all of whom need a secure place to operate within. The Whakatipu Charitable Trust (WCHCT) envisages a warm and welcoming environment with co-working spaces that bring agencies and clients together under one roof. The council land is located in the five mile area, behind Countdown and adjacent to the Events Centre grounds.
Whakatipu Trust Chair John MacDonald said the Trust was delighted to have secured the lease of this land after several years of searching.
“The planned hub promises a secure community asset where many organisations and individuals can work and meet in one excellent location,” said Mr MacDonald.
“We needed somewhere with good bus routes and close to the facilities that locals use. The Trust had identified Frankton Flats as our preferred location.“
“This lease allows us to get on with our planning, and to design, consent and construct the hub. It’s slowly coming together at a time when the need for such a space is greater than ever and continues to grow. Covid and recent floods up north showed us the importance of a community place where people can go for support and help.”
“We are grateful to QLDC and those who have demonstrated to the Council the need for such a facility. We are also grateful for the groundswell of support that has us this far and that we will continue to rely on as we work to deliver this vision.”
A number of community and stakeholder workshops are planned, starting next month.
Project Administrator Sharon Salmons says the workshops will be vitally important. “We need to design and create a facility that meets the needs of the social groups looking to use the hub. We are also looking to future proof the project so we need to understand future needs as well as current. We are also committed to delivering a facility that is sustainably efficient and functional.”
The Trust is investigating funding options and are interested in hearing from anyone who is keen to help with fundraising. It also encourages anyone interested as a potential agency user of the facilities to get in touch.
ENDS
Further information about the Trust is available on the Website www.whakatipuhub.org.nz
Contacts:
Trust Chair – John MacDonald 027 435 6092
Project Administrator – Sharon Salmons 021 942 328