The trust behind the proposed Wakefield Community Hub wants to talk with the community about the location for the proposed hub and what facilities it needs to house.
Waimea South Community Facilities trustee, Peter Verstappen, says the old town hall is no longer fit for purpose for the growing population around the village and the trust has been working hard at securing a new community hub in the Tasman District Council’s 10-year plan.
“Once it is secured in the plan, then we can really get on with working with our partners – the council and community – to get the design and location.”
At this stage, he says the proposed hub could be built on the Wakefield Recreation Reserve between the existing sport clubs and Baigent Reserve, though that is yet to be decided, while the council’s plan currently has the facility tagged for 2026.
The council has costed a Wakefield Community Hub and the refurbishment of the existing Brightwater facilities to be in the vicinity of $13 million.
While the council will fund the largest chunk of the cost, Peter says the combined communities will still have to fundraise about $3 million.
“We recognise our two communities are very close and already share a lot of facilities. One of the reasons we are working together is to make sure we aren’t duplicating anything.”
He says the trust will be applying for grants once plans are definite, plus approaching their communities and local businesses to raise funds.
“We think it’s a big ask and obviously people are really stretched at the moment in the community. Our group’s take is a new community hub in Wakefield is not a nice have - it’s a must have.
“If in a few years we don’t have a community facility in Wakefield, then it would be a travesty.”
The next step now is discussing plans with the community, including location, facilities and the type of activities locals want at their community hub.
A public meeting will be held in the Wakefield Village Hall on 15 May at 7pm to kick off discussions.
