The much-anticipated $6.5 million refurbishment of Te Pae o Kura – Kelston Community Centre is complete and has been opened with a blessing.
Te Kawerau ā Maki led the blessing of the centre, followed by a performance from Kelston Intermediate students and speech from Henderson-Massey Local Board Deputy Chair Will Flavell.
Te Kawerau ā Maki leads the blessing of the refurbished Te Pae o Kura.
Flavell reflected the importance of the space for use as a meeting, practice and performance space for the whole community.
“Today we celebrate not just the reopening of the building, but the spirit of the community. For us, this is an important place to connect with and contribute to our community.”
“The refurbished centre is a modern, community-focused space that is weather tight, easier to maintain and features improved insulation and acoustics. The new deck makes the most of the sweeping view towards the city.”
“The board extends a massive thank you to all of the teams involved in this key project.”
The new deck at Te Pae o Kura.
While the refurbishment has created a modern and updated feel to the centre, Flavell notes that much of the character and memory of the original building is maintained.
“Our community has used this centre for decades, and when I come here, I can still feel that it is the same centre that has always been here.
"The much-needed refurbishment breathes new life into Te Pae o Kura for rangatahi and future generations to use and enjoy.”
Te Kawerau ā Maki has been involved in the project from an early stage, and in 2019 gifted the name for the facility and special names for each of the main spaces.
Staff and designers worked with Te Kawerau ā Maki to realise their vision for the entryway and to integrate colour schemes with the names for each space.
Built in 1978, the needs of the community outgrew the centre in its original form.
With critical structural strengthening and interior updates required alongside changing needs for the space, in 2021 Henderson-Massey Local Board approved the comprehensive renewal of Te Pae o Kura.
MAKE Architects, led by Martin Varney, designed the interiors, and DML Architects, led by Steve Clapham, designed the exteriors.
On 23 March 2023 the construction contract was awarded to Legacy Construction Ltd, and work began on site.
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