A new lease for the Manukau Indian Association means it can proceed with building a community centre at Hillside Park in Papatoetoe.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavai says the group has been granted a lease variation that makes the level of investment needed practical.
“Granting a new lease with a further 10-year right of renewal provides the security needed to make spending a significant sum of money worthwhile.
“We are delighted to accommodate that because the Indian community is such a vital part of who we are here in Ōtara -Papatoetoe.”
The centre will be built predominantly within the footprint of the existing community centre, a structure facing major building issues and no longer even fit for purpose.
“It will provide a brilliant new amenity that will revive a lot of the association’s activities, now scaled back with the current hall unsafe,” Autagavaia says.
“Hillside Park carpark is currently being renewed, work that involves removing carparks along the driveway, and nearby fencing, to provide more usable space for the community.
“Allowing a longer lease enhances the association’s ability to provide valuable services, while maintaining access to Hillside Park.”
The board also approved the removal of the entire fence around the carpark and its replacement with bollards.
The current centre was acquired by the Manukau City Council in 2010 and the association purchased it a year later, entering into a ground lease.
Recent inspections found the building should not be used by groups larger than 25, forcing the association to scale back activities.
“One of our aims is that we have a thriving, inclusive and safe community, and seeing the association return to its best will help that happen,” Autagavaia says.
Concept drawings here.
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