Background

Council is developing a site in the Kaiapoi South Regeneration Area as a community hub. Community hubs are flexible spaces that can be used for different recreation, arts and hobby activities, and social and cultural activities.

To develop the site, Council would provide service connections (such as water and power), perimeter fencing, some car parking and vehicle access only.  It would be the community groups responsibility to provide a building for their activities.

Council has already heard from several local groups that they need space for their activity in Kaiapoi.  These local groups either don’t have a home, or their current space is unsuitable. Groups that could join a hub are typically not-for-profit organisations. Buying or leasing private land is not an option for them.

The regeneration land in Kaiapoi South provides an opportunity to make land available for a community hub. Council has committed to prepare the site for community activities and buildings, and organisations who join the hub will fund and provide a facility for their buildings and activities as appropriate.

Council is currently working with primarily two organisations to be based at the Hub:

• The Kaiapoi Croquet Club – currently based at Murphy Park
• The Kaiapoi Community Trust (the Trust), which includes:
  • The Kaiapoi Menz Shed – currently located on Dale Street.
  • Satisfy Food Rescue

There are two interested organisations who have yet to be confirmed for the hub:

• Youth Development and Opportunities Trust (YDot)
• North Canterbury Railway Model Club (NCRMC)

In 2022 a Master Plan was developed and approval by Council. This formed part of the developed design and resource consent was obtained, and the project progressed to detailed design in early 2023.