Auckland Council’s Finance and Performance Committee voted today to retain council ownership of the Henderson civic building, which houses the Henderson council chambers.
Waitākere Ward councillors and Henderson-Massey Local Board have been advocating to keep the building in council ownership.
“I'm pleased that the Henderson civic building will remain in council hands to be used as a civic and community space,” says Waitākere Ward Councillor Linda Cooper.
“My fellow ward councillor Penny Hulse and I, and the Henderson-Massey Local Board, have been clear all along that we wanted this building retained by council given the site’s cultural significance to Te Kawerau ā Maki and to the wider west community.”
“Keeping this building as a community space while developing nearby land and buildings will assist with Panuku’s Unlock Henderson plan.”
Henderson-Massey Local Board Chair Shane Henderson says, “Our board strongly advocated keeping public services in Henderson, and retaining the civic building as the heart of the town centre. The committee’s decision today will allow that to happen.”
“We are also pleased that the nearby roadway, space for a future shared path, Kakogawa Japanese Friendship Garden and public access through to the train station will also remain in council ownership for the Opanuku Link project.”
“Retaining these facilities and services here makes sense given the location of the Henderson train station and bus interchange, and the work we are doing with Panuku to regenerate Henderson.”
The administration and Central One buildings in Henderson will be sold to help optimise the efficient use of council-owned properties, and meet operational funding requirements.
