One of Palmerston North City Council’s most well-loved and patronised community centres is about to get a major upgrade, with construction starting this week on the new Pasifika Community Centre at Bill Brown Park.
The project received significant support during Council’s long-term plan consultation, particularly from the Pasifika community, with elected members unanimously approving the project contract late last year.
Mayor, Grant Smith says that while it’s called the Pasifika Community Centre, it’s a space designed for everyone.
“This project is all about people, it’s a place where families can come together, and it’s going to be a fantastic and much-needed addition to Bill Brown Park and to our city as a whole. It’s one of nine community centres Council provides across the city to support connection, culture, and community wellbeing,” the Mayor said.
The new centre will include a larger main hall for events and gatherings, with a vaulted ceiling giving a Pasifika fale shape and space. It will also include a commercial-sized kitchen for shared use, and flexible workspaces for local groups and agencies to hold drop-in sessions.
Council’s property manager, Glenn Bunny said site preparation will be the first step in the works.
“Fencing will go up around the existing hall, followed by some demolition work, including the careful removal of the old flooring, which will be reused in the new building,” said Mr Bunny.
He said the project’s construction schedule had been planned to minimise disruption.
“Our contractor Colspec Construction will work during weekday hours only, no evenings or weekends, though some daytime noise is expected.”
Despite the work taking place, Mr Bunny says the wider park will remain open and accessible.
“The playground will stay open, sports and games on the fields won’t be affected, and the public toilets will remain available. The changing rooms, however, will need to be closed during part of the demolition phase.”
Papaioea Pasifika Community Trust, who operate from the centre, will temporarily relocate to the Palmy’s Got Talent Centre The Square during construction.
As the project progresses, updates will be shared at pncc.govt.nz/pasifikacentre.
