Supporting communities  |  13 May 2022

The former Woolston Community Centre will be gifted to Te Waka Unua School for $1 following a Christchurch City Council decision.

It sits on Woolston Park and was used as a base for the Woolston Community Association until that organisation was wound up in 2021.

Following a formal request from Te Waka Unua School to use the building for a range of activities, the Council has agreed to gift the facility for the sum of $1 and grant a ground lease of 33 years.  

Council Head of Community Support and Partnerships John Filsell says the school currently leases the land adjoining the centre – where the swimming pool used to be - and taking the space over would be of lasting benefit to the school.

“They’re located very close to the community centre and have identified a tangible need for space to engage with parents, children, support services, agencies and the wider community.

Pupils from Te Waka Unua School will be able to use the former Woolston Community Centre for a range of activities.

“This arrangement means the school can tailor the use of the space to meet their own objectives and those of their wider community,” says Mr Filsell. “We’re very pleased to be able to support them in this.”

A new community space was included in the rebuild of the Woolston Community Library and the centre building is currently sitting vacant.

Planned activities and services include Pasifika study support, music therapy, family support, kaiako te reo Maori lessons, a breakfast programme, parent and learning support and public health drop in sessions.

 

 

Principal Janeane Reid says a two-month trial period has shown how well the arrangement will work for the wider school community,

It will provide opportunities for children and adults in the community to take part in activities that would otherwise be limited without a suitable space available, she says.

While the school assumes responsibility for the building and land maintenance, rates and other outgoings, the Council retains the right of first refusal to take back the building for the sum of $1 should the school no longer require it.

The land remains in Council ownership.