12 August2015

Berhampore residents support community space proposal

Berhampore residents are overwhelmingly in support of plans to restore part of an historic Wellington Housing New Zealand property to its former glory as a space for community use.

Around 40 Berhampore residents, including Housing New Zealand tenants, turned up for an information evening where they were able to give their views on how the former hall in the Centennial Flats could be once again used as a hub for wider use.

Housing New Zealand’s Centennial Flats in Adelaide Road Berhampore were built in 1938. They are considered to be a classic example of modernist architecture, and were one of the first residential complexes of their kind in Wellington.

The complex was built and designed with a circular public hall in the centre that was originally designed for recreation activities such as theatricals, socials and dances, and as a wet-weather play area for children. Most recently the space has been used as a residential unit, but it will soon be brought back to life as part of a major refurbishment of the complex.

Housing New Zealand is working with Wellington City Council and Berhampore School on the proposal, which would include appointing a dedicated coordinator to help the space and activities run smoothly.

“We were delighted with the turn-out to our information evening, and thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response not just from tenants, but also the wider community,” Stakeholder Relationship Manager Renee Martin says.

“We are excited about the opportunity to revive the hall and bring it back to its former glory. A lot of people were particularly excited about creating an opportunity for the Berhampore community to have a space of its own – it might be a small suburb, but it’s definitely a vibrant one with a strong spirit!”

“We’re looking through all the comments and feedback now, and there’s all kinds of ideas on how it could be used – as a meeting space, a mobile library, advisory and health services, exercise classes, cooking classes and for adult education purposes. Our aim is to be as flexible as possible so that the space can be used for what the community wants and needs,” Ms Martin says.

“It’s still early days, and over the next few months while the upgrade takes place, we’ll work through options with our partners Wellington City Council and Berhampore School, and come back with firmer options for the community.”

Some examples of comments from the community:

“Excellent idea.”

“It would be great to have a local space to have a hub in the area.”

“Grand idea.”

“Great idea to get people to know their neighbours. A place to meet.”

“Should totally be used for community. A place to gather, a place to share, and a place for groups to come and enjoy Berhampore.”

“A fantastic initiative. Will work for tenants and community alike.”

“This is a wonderful idea. Berhampore is a young community that will continue to grow. We are also a very diverse community where many people from different cultures live and work. The hall is accessible to all people and especially young parents and the elderly etc

ENDS

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