The long-planned Te Hono library and community hub project is facing an unexpected funding shortfall, but both Whau Local Board and Ward Councillor Kerrin Leoni are committed to finding the funds to enable its development.
An increase in construction costs across the industry has led to a $10 -12 million funding gap on the project, but determined to keep it on track, last week Whau Ward Councillor Kerrin Leoni and local board members met with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Wayne Brown and Desley Simpson, in their ongoing advocacy for additional funding.
Whau Local Board Chair Kay Thomas says: “We advocated for the inclusion of Te Hono in Auckland Council’s Long-Term Plan and requested that funding be allocated in the first two years of the plan, in the hope that construction could begin as close to late 2024 as possible."
“We are working hard for Te Hono to be included in the next year’s Long-Term Plan. If our efforts turn out to be successful, we will be looking for as much public support as we can in the consultation for the Plan, as we all know how essential Te Hono will be for current and future residents."
“The Mayor is familiar with the Te Hono project, as we had already formally requested funding in a submission to him and the Governing Body during the annual budget process.”
Whau Ward Councillor Kerrin Leoni says the ward is undergoing large-scale urban development and Te Hono will be a key community facility to meet the needs of the communities.
“I requested the meeting with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor as Te Hono is such an important community amenity for everyone in Avondale. Whau Ward is embracing high density housing and Te Hono will help address the needs of our growing population and bring our diverse communities together.”
About Te Hono
In 2021 Whau Local Board approved the finalised concept designs and last year named the new library and community centre for Avondale as Te Hono.
The name ‘Te Hono’, which means ‘the connection’, recognises that the new facility connects place, people and purpose, is gifted by mana whenua representatives from Te Kawerau ā Maki, and supported by Te Ākitai Waiohua, Ngāti Te Ata and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
As an integrated community facility to be located in the heart of the town centre, Te Hono is an important part of Eke Panuku’s Unlock Avondale urban regeneration programme. The programme seeks to enhance the town centre’s vitality as a place to do business and visit through more and better-quality housing, improved public spaces and upgraded transport connections.
Auckland Council and Eke Panuku are delivering Te Hono in partnership, with design work progressing while trying to work within the construction price challenges which have caused some funding difficulties for Te Hono and delaying the construction start date, with a $10 - 12 million budget shortfall.
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