Pest Free Kaipātiki (PFK) has a new home thanks to Auckland Council, Kaipātiki Local Board, and local businesses and volunteers.
Auckland Council and Kaipātiki Local Board transferred ownership of the former Glenfield Bowling Club at 3 Ross Avenue in 2021 to transform it into a new home base for PFK, a board-funded initiative that focuses on restoring and protecting the Kaipātiki environment by engaging with the local community.
Kaipātiki Local Board Chair John Gillon says the board has been proud to play its part in securing this asset for Pest Free Kaipātiki.
“The transformation of a derelict bowling club to a thriving hub for Pest Free Kaipātiki has been amazing to watch,” Gillon says. “After the Bowling Club folded, the council became the owner of their building. Instead of demolishing the building which had fallen into disrepair, the board selected PFK following an expression of interest process. The board and PFK then successfully presented to the governing body to transfer ownership of the building to PFK.”
Unoccupied since 2017, the Bowling Club building had key issues with its foundations, electrical work and fire protection explains PFK General Manager Annie Dignan.
“The work involved to get the building to a habitable state, led by volunteers Jo and Grant Knight, has been a massive community undertaking with thousands of hours of volunteer work from individuals, organisations and community groups. Businesses have also shown their support by donating large amounts of their expertise and products.”
In keeping with PFK and the local board’s commitment to sustainability, a large amount of the building materials used in the refit came from construction waste, diverting around 59 tonnes of material from landfill. Used furniture and materials were also used for the interiors whenever possible.
The building can now accommodate all staff and a community tool shed under one roof alongside space to welcome volunteers and the wider community.
Find out more about PFK and at their website or follow them on Facebook.
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