Introducing the Concept
The concept behind the Queenstown Community Hub is to provide a long-term facility housing a range of community services and organisations in a purpose-built affordable complex which is not subject to the vagaries of market rentals. |
In May 2019, the Whakatipu Community Hub Charitable Trust (WCHCT) was set up to address an increasingly pressing need to create a space for community services and groups. By August 2019, WCHCT had raised money for a feasibility study, talked to several key stakeholders including services that may wish to be included, potential funders, community groups who may want to be part of it, and the Queenstown Lakes District Council. The Trust has so far been warmly welcomed as an overdue initiative. As it talks to different groups it is noted that pressure in the community for these facilities is increasing – but funding opportunities are not – which means too many groups are spending precious resources simply trying to keep doors open. This is the first issue the Hub seeks to address. There are many others, but these need to be examined and prioritised which is the Trust’s next step. With the generous financial support of Mitchell Mackersy Lawyers and Diana & Dick Hubbard, Consultants Martin Jenkins were engaged to run co-design workshops that produced a purpose and vision for the hub and also to understand what suits Queenstown and to agree what outcomes might need to be achieved. Members of the Trust have visited similar initiatives throughout New Zealand – all of which are highly successful. The Trust is now keen to inform that base of knowledge with that of those who would populate and use the hub. It is envisaged that various groups and agencies will find ways to work together to provide efficiencies and synergies through hot desks, shared office and meeting space infrastructure as well as ideas and initiatives. Further detail will be explored in the co-design and feasibility process. Given huge growth in the community, and growth projections that look set to continue at 4-5 percent per year over the long term, the hub needs to future proof itself. This will be achieved by designing for expansion potential from the outset. |
Where is the hub to be located?
|
The Whakatipu Hub have been working hard to secure property and last year QLDC identified excess council land behind the Crowne Pub in the Frankton Flats area. The Whakatipu Hub (WCHCT) submitted an Expression of Interest which got the initial thumbs up from Councillors. QLDC has a public process to follow which involves community feedback. This closes on Friday 13th Jan on the QLDC “Let’s Talk” website. Once this concludes, a council decision on a draft lease is expected early March . We are encouraging as many people as possible to sign up and support the much needed facilities |
Vertical Divider
The hub is needed urgently, in the next two years, key social service providers in Queenstown will lose their current tenancies... |
How will the Hub be funded?
|
Vertical Divider
|
To meet this challenge, WCHCT has been working with charitable trusts, philanthropic organisations, individuals, corporate donors, and community fundraising.
The project has secured funding from the Central Lakes Trust and the wider Queenstown Community to make the concept a reality. However if you want to be involved or 'pitch in' , please contact the Trust |