6 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Tauranga City Council: Merivale Community Centre T T Sue Russell New community centre for Tauranga Merivale Community Centre is led by a community board, which had long been planning a new centre. Like schools, community centres often serve as a focal point of activity for the community – a place where people can gather, meet with others, be supported and learn, making these spaces such a valuable resource. Such is the case with Merivale Community Centre in Tauranga, which has served its local people, of all walks of life, for many years. When the existing building no longer met the needs of those accessing the myriad services and activities provided within its walls, this signalled it was time for redevelopment. This has been the journey of late for those connected with the centre, including the local council, which recognised the important part the facility plays in the lives of local residents. Senior project manager at Tauranga City Council, Deon Connoway, says the Merivale Community Centre is a meaningful project to be leading. “It’s rewarding to help deliver a facility that responds directly to the needs of the local community,” he says. Funding support from TECT, Lottery Grants Board and Bay Trust, has helped make possible a new fit-for-purpose facility on the community centre’s original site at 10 Kesteven Avenue. Designed by Designgroup Stapleton Elliott, the building delivers user-friendly, flexible spaces for individuals, social service providers and groups, small and large, to gather. Careful thought has been given to the layout and facilities offered inside the modern, welcoming building, which is just over 600sqm. Deon says the architects have done “a wonderful job” delivering a building in scale that made it within reach financially. “It has various amenities the community needs, including a purpose-built kitchen, amenities spaces, a large open hall space and separate rooms, along with an outdoor half basketball court. “Considering the wide range of services and activities that will call the centre home when it opens later this year, it reflects the thoughtful planning and collaboration that went into meeting the community’s needs,” says Deon. Merivale Community Centre is led by a community board, which had long been planning a new centre, given the increasing demand since it was first established in 1993. “Council recognised the importance of supporting a facility that enables vital community services to continue and grow. Mana whenua have also held a keen interest in this project because they understand its significance to the community.”
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