Pukete Neighbourhood House | Hamilton City Council

Project summary

What we're doing

Funding for a new, single-story community centre has been approved for Pukete Neighbourhood House. We’ve consulted with the community on our initial proposal to build the community centre in Ashurst Park, by Ashurst Avenue.

We heard a range of feedback from 282 written submissions, and we are now exploring options for the building location.

You can see the options below, and the pros and cons of each. Please note that any feedback received at the information session on 13 November is not recorded below. This feedback will be incorporated into the final report, which will go to the Council meeting on 14 December.

Option 1: Ashurst Avenue

Pros

This option would put the community centre within in the community it serves.
The proposed site is flat, and accessible for people with disabilities or special requirements.
This option would be easily accessed by all modes of transport, including public transport.
Moving Pukete Neighbourhood House out of Te Rapa Sportsdrome would free up over 200m2 of space and maximise the building’s potential as a sporting facility.
This site could be a ‘hub’ for the community, with a new community centre, cafe and new playground. Street presence and proximity to the playrgound could make a cafe more financially viable.
A new build would provide flexibility to design a space that is fit for purpose for all user groups.
This option could have lower emissions during construction, by using sustainable materials and construction techniques.
This option would enable Pukete Neighbourhood House to grow, with opportunities to expand their services.
A building that faces Ashurst Avenue could provide passive surveillance (CPTED) in the park and community, and increase awareness of Pukete Neighbourhood House and their services.
Pukete Neighbourhood House would be able to continue operating at their current premises during the construction of this option.

Cons

Some residents are opposed to this option.
The existing playground would need to be repositioned and would be unavailable to the community for a period of time. Note the current playground is due for renewal in the upcoming 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan.
A number of established exotic trees would need to be removed.
The building would remove an area of useable park space, that is currently used for recreation and picnicking.
Additional funds would be needed to connect services such as power and water to the site.
A purpose-built carpark would be required.
Some sightlines into the park and playground could be reduced or obscured by the building.

Option 2a: Standalone, Te Rapa Sportsdrome

Pros

There are no immediate residential neighbours that would be affected by the new build.
A new build would provide flexibility to design a space that is fit for purpose for all user groups.
This option could have lower emissions during construction, by using sustainable materials and construction techniques.
The new facility could utilise the existing community garden, which would be adjacent to the new building.
This option would not impact the available park space at Ashurst Avenue.
Many site services such as power, water, etc. are already on site. The design team would need to confirm if there is sufficient capacity for each.
The Pukete Neighbourhood House team would be close to the sports hall in Te Rapa Sportsdrome.
This option would enable Pukete Neighbourhood House to grow, with opportunities to expand their services.
The existing playground would remain unaffected in its current location. (Note the current playground is due for renewal in the upcoming 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan).
Moving Pukete Neighbourhood House out of Te Rapa Sportsdrome would free up over 200m2 of space and maximise the building’s potential as a sporting facility.
Visitors and staff could utilise the existing carpark.
Overall, less landscaping and paving would be required.

Cons

Access from Church Road is steep and not easily accessible for people with disabilities or special requirements. A new access road with more gentle slopes to meet accessibility standards would add significant cost.
There would be fewer opportunities for passive surveillance in this location as it would be hidden from the road.
Pukete Neighbourhood House would be located further away from the residential side of the park and the community it serves.
The lack of street presence could reduce the financial viability of the proposed cafe.
Lack of street presence may also reduce opportunities for other community initiatives that rely on foot traffic.
The building may not be very visible to the rest of the park, should the existing trees and fencing around the volleyball court remain.
Nearby terrain to the west would limit the amount of sunshine available.
Additional design would be required to create a ‘back of house’ area where services, waste management etc would be located.

Option 2b: Extension, Te Rapa Sportsdrome

Pros

By retrofitting an existing building, less materials overall are required, which could result in lower carbon emissions, and extend the lifespan of the existing building.
The new facility could utilise the existing community garden, which would be adjacent to the new building.
There are no immediate residential neighbours that would be affected.
Compared with the Ashurst Avenue option, it minimises the amount of park space that is taken up by the new build and relocated volleyball courts.
Many site services such as power, water, etc. are already on site. The design team will need to confirm if there is sufficient capacity for each.
The Pukete Neighbourhood House team would be close to the sports hall in Te Rapa Sportsdrome
This option would enable Pukete Neighbourhood House to grow, with opportunities to expand their services.
The existing playground would remain unaffected in its current location. (Note the current playground is due for renewal in the upcoming 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan).

Cons

Adapting the existing building may not result in an ideal layout for Pukete Neighbourhood House or the community.
The street presence of Pukete Neighbourhood House would not increase.
Access from Church Road is steep and not easily accessible for people with disabilities or special requirements. A new access road with more gentle slopes to meet accessibility standards would add significant cost.
This option would require additional costs for site works (e.g. relocating the volleyball courts) and disruptions to other users (e.g. groups who lease the volleyball courts).
200m2 of space currently occupied by Pukete Neighbourhood House would not be freed up for sporting use.
Pukete Neighbourhood House may not be able to operate from their current premises during the construction period.
Additional design would be required to create a ‘back of house’ area where services, waste management etc would be located.
The lack of visibility of this location may mean the proposed café is less likely to be financially viable.
Lack of street presence may also reduce opportunities for other community initiatives that rely on foot traffic.
The building may not be very visible to the rest of the park, should the existing trees and fencing around the volleyball court remain.
This option may trigger the need to do seismic strengthening of the Sportsdrome building. There may be similar requirements for Fire Protection and Accessibility.

This project will

Provide a purpose-built facility
Free up space at Te Rapa Sportsdrome
Create a warm, welcoming space for community use

Project features

Park café
Providing barista-made coffee and food, with seating that overlooks the park.
Carparking
New carparking will service park users, as well as visitors and staff of the facility.
Bookable meeting spaces
Available for community use, in the modern facility.

Where we're at with progress

Stage 1 - Planning

2023-2024
Consultation with the community is underway – we're proposing to reclassify a section of Ashurst Park to accommodate the build of the new facility.
Stage 2 - Underway

2024
Construction is expected to begin mid-2024.
Stage 3 - Completed

2025
The Pukete Neighbourhood House is expected to open mid-2025.

Te Rapa Sportsdrome upgrades

On 4 December 2023, planned works will begin to upgrade the flooring in the sports hall, and the changing rooms and toilets at the Sportsdrome. Please note this work is unrelated to Pukete Neighbourhood House and has no impact on the decision Elected Members will make about its location on 14 December. Contact us if you have any questions.