Images above
From the Kollective in Tauranga - a very similar concept |
Who are we?Updated Oct 2023
The Whakatipu Community Hub Charitable Trust has been set up to create a bespoke co-working environment where local charity, social and community groups can work together. Tenants will be from the Whakatipu social and community sectors and it is anticipated that construction is hoped to start in late 2024. The Trustees that make up the board bring good governance and a huge variety of professional skill sets to the table. They understand the need for a community hub facility in the local area and passionate to achieve that vision. It is envisaged tenants will share offices and administration resources, and the concept is based on other successful ventures in New Zealand, such as the Kollective in Tauranga and the Loft in Christchurch. Where are we at?The Trustees are an active committee and been working hard over the last few years behind the scenes to progress the concept into a reality.
The Trust has successfully secured a lease from QLDC with the design concept recently completed. Once "Seed Funding" has been secured, the plans can be developed further and building consent will be applied for. This process where structual engineers, geotech engineers and acoustic engineers are involved can take between 6-9 months. It is anticipated subject to funding that the construction phase will commence at the end of next year 2024. The hub will be in the heart of the Frankton Flats (5 Mile) with ample public transport, parking and surrounding complimentary facilities. In May 2023, the Trustees started the stakeholder engagement for potential users to help with the project design and in Nov 2023 the Architects Wingates presented the first conceptual designs to this group. The process to engage all parties for the next stage of design and the vision is crucial to the success of the project. |
Why do we need a hub?The trust was established in 2019 after it was identified there was a need in the community.
“The situation in the community is dire. Few organisations have long term secure tenure and as land values rise they find themselves pushed out, at a time when their services are most needed. We have an ambitious goal of sod turning by 2024 and for that we need to attract widespread support.”
John MacDonald - Chair At the same time QLDC also commissioned some research, which backed up this need.
Full copies of the QLDC research are available on their website |
Milestones for the
Whakatipu Community Hub
Community hubs are becoming more prevalent across the world in response to a need for
enhanced efficiency, integrated service delivery and the need to upgrade facilities.
enhanced efficiency, integrated service delivery and the need to upgrade facilities.
LocationKey to the success is a central location with transport links for local residents.
The proposed site is behind the Crown Pub in 5 Mile adjacent to the Events Centre |
Funding the build.Considerable work has started securing funding by working with charitable trusts, philanthropic organisations, individuals, corporate donors, and community fundraising avenues.
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Factors to SuccessEngaging with all our stakeholders, the community and relevant organisations is vitally important for the success of the masterplan.
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