New temporary community facility for St Albans

A joint venture between The International Association of Lions Clubs and the Christchurch City Council will see a new transitional community facility built on a Council-owned site in Colombo Street, St Albans.

Following today’s approval by the Council, the Lions will fund the building of the transitional facility, which is expected to be open by July and will be available for community use for the next two to five years.

The site was previously the St Albans Resource Centre, which was badly damaged in the 22 February 2011 earthquake and was demolished at the end of last year.

Christchurch City Council General Manager Community Services Michael Aitken says, “Having the site clear and ready to go provided us with the opportunity to work with the Lions on this initiative.

“The building will provide meeting space for local community groups and low-impact recreation activities. It’s great to see this positive initiative going ahead with other facilities and buildings closed due to earthquake damage.”

Lions District Governor Mary Griffiths says this is a practical way the organisation can contribute to the community.

“We know that as Christchurch moves into a state of rebuild and recovery, it’s now more important than ever to have a place for community groups to come together, discuss and plan for the future.”

Mayor Bob Parker thanked the Lions for their generous contribution to the project. “The community centre in St Albans which was demolished last year is sadly missed by the locals who used it. This is a wonderful initiative that will greatly benefit the community.”

The new site will be at 1049 Colombo Street, St Albans.

The Council also asked staff to prepare a report that would enable it to create a policy on the level of financial contribution the Council should make to transitional/temporary facilities on Council-owned land.