Site works to start soon for hub in Kaiapoi’s red zone land

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, local democracy reporter

Site works at the Kaiapoi Community Hub are expected to begin next month.

But it will likely be at least a year before any buildings are completed, Waimakariri District Council community team manager Tessa Sturley said.

Speaking at last week’s community and recreation committee meeting, Sturley said the community team had been working with the Kaiapoi Community Hub Trust to assist with funding applications.

The trust would be employing a part-time funding co-ordinator on a 12 month contract to support this process.

Meetings had already been held with Lotteries and the Rata Foundation.

The hub was being built on former red zone land, between Courtenay Drive and Charters St.

Satisfy Food Rescue and the Kaiapoi Men’s Shed have been confirmed as partners.

Other organisations have expressed an interest in being involved in the hub, while the Kaiapoi Croquet Club was also building on the site.

Sturley said the council was working on a design guide to address residents’ concerns.

"The design guide is intended to make sure that the layout of the site is in line with that feedback.

"We want to make sure the buildings are complementary and there is a guide around colours, planting, and building height and placement, so it is an attractive space."

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