Papakura Local Board has declined the opportunity to turn the Senior Citizen’s Hall in East Street into an Auckland Council asset.
It has recommended to the council’s Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee that the hall’s transfer not go ahead.
The Papakura Senior Citizens Club no longer exists but the council would have to hold the hall in trust to benefit older people in the area, limiting the way it could be used.
Board chair Brent Catchpole says there is little need for more hire space with plenty of available capacity in other council-owned facilities in Papakura.
“The hall is also in pretty poor shape, with weathertightness, internal guttering and fire safety system issues. We just don’t have the money to bring the hall up to standard or for ongoing renewals and operating costs.”
Repair costs have been estimated at a minimum of $400,000.
The club stopped operating in 2020. It had provided entertainment and activities for older people from the building – previously the Manchester Unity Hall – since 1968.
The decision means it is more likely the hall will be sold, with the proceeds made available for distribution to benefit older people in Papakura.
The club had prepared a list of charitable organisations to distribute sale proceeds to if a transfer was declined.
“Those organisations are all well-placed to benefit older people in Papakura and surrounding areas.”
