| 43 T T Kim Newth New space adding the ‘fun stuff’ Second-stage development is now in full swing, with construction of a new, youth-centred events and activities centre progressing well. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Youth Hub Christchurch Youth Hub Christchurch continues to go from strength to strength as the first facility of its kind in New Zealand providing transitional housing for young people, along with co-located youth services and recreational spaces to support youth mental health and wellbeing. Second-stage development is now in full swing, with construction of a new, youth-centred events and activities centre progressing well on-site. This exciting new addition – a 128sqm flexible-use space with capacity for up to 200 people – is due to open in April 2026. In its first year, Youth Hub Christchurch has made a significant impact as a safe and supportive place for young people in the central city, (and has won multiple awards for the inspiring design and build led by Field Studio of Architecture and Urbanism, and Naylor Love Canterbury). Managed by the Christchurch Methodist Mission, the hub’s 22-bedroom supported-housing wing has been fully occupied since it opened, providing safe and secure accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness. The site’s wraparound youth services block is also at full occupancy and being well-used, as is the hub’s vibrant outdoor activities courtyard. “We’re thrilled to see the dream coming to life – but we’re still only halfway there,” says Dame Sue Bagshaw, who chairs the Youth Hub Trust. “This second stage is all about nurturing creativity and adding fun stuff, as we know that plays such a vital part in youth wellbeing and mental health too. This new centre will provide a welcoming, safe creative space for all young people from 10 to 24 years.” Key funding partners include Christchurch City Council, the Rātā Foundation and the Urquhart Family Trust. A fundraising campaign to help buy equipment needed for the centre has gone very well. (Details on how to donate at www.youthhubchch.org.nz) “What we really need now is a sponsor who will be able to help us pay for various costs involved in running and coordinating the centre’s programmes. We’d love to hear from potential sponsors who may be interested in partnering with us to help young people get the most out of this special space.” A star feature of the new centre will be its multi-purpose flexible stage, suitable for drama productions, music gigs or fashion shows. Designed with an acoustic ceiling and two blank walls for projection, the centre will also be fitted with modern AV equipment and lighting. “Shipleys has been really good with audio-visual advice, and so generous with discounts on equipment. We’re getting a lot of interest from community groups wanting to be involved too, such as the CSO, which has offered to come in and teach young people how to play different instruments. We have some reconditioned guitars, courtesy of Good Guitars, but still need other musical instruments.” A committee of youth representatives will be very involved with decisions on how the new space will be used. Various other providers are offering to run activities, from dance, drama and music lessons to yoga classes and circus skills for all ages and abilities. New hot desk work spaces for youth organisations will also be coming on stream at the hub from April 2026, with further development planned as funding allows, including vegetable gardens on the roof. 0800 114 074 Access Control • CCTV • Installation • Programming • Maintenance • IQP Protect your business today Conferences Charity Events Award Dinners Product Launches Events Education Hospitality Retail Corporate Installation Even Videography Social Media Reels Brand Videos Educational Videos Production A New Zealand owned and operated technology company established in 1926 Shipleys are proud to support meaningful projects and events in the community. Contact us for experienced advice, and dependable support. www.shipleys.co.nz
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