Wānaka Youth and Community Centre

Work to transform the former Mitre 10 building in Wānaka to a youth and community centre is underway.

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About the project

Naming competition

Construction update - May 2023

Artists impressions

About the project

The Wānaka Youth and Community Centre will complement the Wānaka Recreation Centre by offering two multi-use indoor courts, a separate studio that could be used for dance, yoga and fitness classes, or as a meeting space, and dedicated areas for Kahu Youth and Aspiring Gymsports.

An initial 10-year lease with additional rights to renew commenced on 1 May 2022.

The project represents an important investment for the Upper Clutha community to help meet demand now and over the coming years.

Naylor Love was appointed as lead contractor for the fit-out. The total budget is approximately $4.2M. An increase of $90,000 from the initial budget approved by Councillors in April last year has been required due to additional fire protection measures

Naming the centre

The Wānaka Youth and Community Centre is just working title for the project and doesn't reflect the final name of the venue. We're wanting to leave this in the hands of the kids that will use it most.

We have directly approached schools and stakeholders to submit name suggestions for the new sport and community facility.

The name entry can be submitted using the below button.

Naming competition entry

Construction update - May 2023

Naylor Love commenced work on site on 5 April 2023. Since then, Naylor Love has completed the demolition phase of the job which largely comprised the removal of existing strapping and previous material typical of a hardware store.

The walls have now been re-lined as part of the conversion of these spaces to changing rooms/meeting room space in the new facility.

The reconstruction phase commenced shortly after the completion of the demolition works. They have commenced the installation of framing and trusses to the future Kahu Youth space as well as the remediation of the floor and grinding/re-surfacing throughout the building.

The new facility will welcome its first tenants - Aspiring Gym Sports - from 3 July so that they can run their gymnastics programme. The wider facility is expected to open to the public in September pending construction timelines and minimal delays.

Construction progress May 2023

The current view of Aspiring Gymsports entry and what will eventually be the reception area!

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The reception area and a small office space in the foreground, the background will be a bookable studio space!

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