Re: Heart and sold out (The Aucklander, 9 April 2008).
A new recreation and youth centre for the Otahuhu community opened in April 2006 as a part of a recreation precinct being developed by Auckland City Council.
The old Otahuhu Recreation Centre had low usage compared to other council owned facilities and
was never designed for the purpose it was used for.
Extensive research had shown that a new facility would better meet the needs of the community and therefore the old centre closed in March 2006.
When the new building was approved, the council resolved to sell the old centre to offset some of the costs. However, during open space planning for the area, the opportunity to retain the site to improve public access to Otahuhu College Memorial Fields and Sturges Park was identified. The council is currently investigating the feasibility of this, including demolition of the building.
The building has been leased to NZ Academy of Fencing on a month to month lease arrangement since March 2006 and is shared by a church group, the Otahuhu Maori Wardens and Project Walk Through.
All of these tenants were made aware of the building's uncertain future upon occupying it, and council staff have been working closely with them to explore alternative accommodation and funding options.
Cameron Parr Arts, Community and Recreation Services Group Manager Auckland City Council
