Creating a multi-purpose Community Hub in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is one step closer thanks to a design collaboration between Pou Whakaaro and the Unitec School of Architecture.

Through the collaboration a detailed plan of the project has been designed and released with three potential sites being put forth in the proposal.

Potential services that will be offered through the Hub are also outlined in the plan and include: a range of social services, educational training, leisure/drop-in spaces, outdoor and indoor sports facilities, meeting and exhibition spaces, a recording studio, a café, a computer centre, a workshop space, a commercial kitchen and community gardens.

It is also envisaged that large-scale events such as multicultural festivals, community barbeques, flea markets and farmers markets will be able to be held in the new space along with commercial ventures such as installing a rock climbing wall, bowling alley and Skate Park being explored.

Next steps for the project are to make a decision on the Hub’s final site as well as stepping up fundraising effort which will bring the project to fruition.

Pou Whakaaro’s General Manager Claire Pye says working on the project has meant exciting times for the organisation and wanted to say a huge thank you to all the individuals who have or were part of the on-going process.

“It has been a huge exercise and there have been so many people involved, but we really believe this is going to make a big difference to both the Kopeopeo and Whakatane communities and it really has been amazing how many people in the community have got on board with the project and given their support because without it, it just wouldn’t be possible.

“Things are really taking shape now and we are excited as to what the future will hold and are extremely proud to be part of something that fosters economic and environmentally sustainability is inclusive and will be accessible to everyone in the community.”