As the lease was ending for the Citizen Advice Bureau (CAB) office in Remuera, the Ōrākei Community Centre was needing a refresh. The two are joining forces in what is turning out to be a perfect match.
"The Ōrākei Community Centre, located at Kepa Road has a lot going for it,” says Tessa Taylor of Auckland Council venue hire team, which helps manage the facility.
“It’s in a great location, heaps of parking, sunny courtyard, barrels of space and a recently upgraded playground next door.”
“Despite having regular bookings at the centre, some local groups have used the centre every week for the past decade, we look forward to the increased activity bought about by the integration of the CAB office, staff and visitors, and we hope it lifts the vitality of the community centre even more.”
Citizens Advice Bureau has been located in Remuera town centre for forty-three years.
“We’ve had an amazing time in the Remuera community,” explains Lucette Hindin Manager of the Eastern Bays Branch.
"This is an exciting change for us and we look forward to getting to know a new set of neighbours and opportunities.”
Ōrākei Local Board, funded the building upgrade and is very supportive of incorporating the CAB office into the community facility.
“This will bring a welcome additional presence to the centre” explains Scott Milne, Ōrākei Local Board Chair.
“Budgets are tight for community facility upgrades at the moment, and so this is a really great way of ensuring maximum value from the physical improvements we were able to fund. There is a lot of intensification occurring in the area so this initiative creates a synergy that will accomplish much more than a regular, simple upgrade. We are looking forward to celebrating improved use of this valued community space.
Work is expected to be completed on the Ōrākei Community Centre before the end of this month and includes a refresh of the entrance and foyer areas, creation of a more functional Kitchen, improved heating and lighting and interior aesthetic improvements. Citizens Advice Bureau office is expected to open early November 2020.
More information on space for hire and events planned for the centre can be found on the newly launched Council website thecentre.co.nz
Contact CAB Ōrākei on 09 524 0298 or at orakei@cab.org.nz
