New Community House brings services to the people

On Tuesday 9 August, a new building will open in Palmerston North bringing a number of community support services under one roof.

The Palmerston North City Council, in partnership with a number of community organisations, has designed, built and fitted out the new “Community House” which brings 15 Not-for-Profit and Non-Government agencies together to deliver their services from a new central city location.

Peter Grey, the Council’s Project Co-ordinator, said the co-location of community support services provides opportunities for greater networking and cooperation between providers.

“Putting a wide range of community service agencies under one roof means our residents will have easier access to these services, as well as improving the agencies’ ability to provide support by enhancing their capabilities.”

“Sharing a building means the agencies can focus more on delivering their services with lower overheads, modern facilities, and generally a healthier, safer and more efficient environment.”

An official opening will take place at Community House on Tuesday 9 August at 4.30pm. Community House is located at 77 – 85 King St, Palmerston North.

Palmerston North City Council owns the facility and will continue to manage it as a community asset in the long term. The Council will maintain the facility so it remains fit for purpose, and should a current tenant organisation move out of the facility then Council can only lease that space to another community based social service provider.

At opening, the tenant organisations will be: Brain Injury Central Districts; Central Region Advocacy Service; Citizens Advice Bureau; Community Services Council; Disabled Persons Assembly; Housing Advice Centre; Manawatu Home Budgeting Service; Manawatu Multicultural Council; Manawatu Tenants Union; Manline; Parentline; PARS (Prisoner Aid); Samaritans; Youthline; Volunteer Resource Centre-Manawatu & Districts.

ENDS

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