The project to create a new-look community centre for Meadowbank is on pause after rising construction costs led the development partner to pull out of the project.
The vision for the revitalisation of the community centre is to partner with a developer to create a bigger, future proofed, high-quality centre to cater for the area’s growing population at no cost to ratepayers.
Last year, Ōrākei Local Board was made aware of the challenges the partner was facing and gave a one-year extension on the original agreement, which has now expired. Eke Panuku Development Auckland, which manages development agreements on council’s behalf, will begin to look for another partner.
“This news means there will be a delay in starting this fantastic local project,” says Ōrākei Local Board chair Scott Milne.
“While this is frustrating, it remains a priority for the board, and our plans are still very much to continue with the redevelopment once we have found a new development partner.”
The improvements will be funded from the sale of 4 Victoria Avenue in Remuera and the airspace above a new development on the site of the current community centre. It will have the new community centre on the ground floor and apartments on top.
Eke Panuku has advised the local board that in the current construction and property market, it may be difficult to secure a partnership that delivers the best value outcome for the community, so there could be a delay in finding a new development partner until the market shows further signs of recovery.
“The board is working closely with Eke Panuku to find the best possible option for our community,” says Scott.
“This may mean waiting a little longer, but the current community centre is still in good condition and available for use and hire in the meantime.”
Key stakeholder and community engagement for the concept design and subsequent developed design for the internal fit-out took place in 2022. The local board retains the rights to these designs.
Eke Panuku works closely with local boards around Auckland on opportunities like the one for the Meadowbank Community Centre, where property sales can fund improvements to community facilities that lack budget or would otherwise take much longer to complete.
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