Dannevirke youth centre moves out as future of historic Carnegie building remains in limbo

Jeanne O'Brien, left, manager Tararua Community Youth Services and youth worker Stevie Lawson in the new premises on Gordon St. Photo / Christine McKay

Thirty years ago Planet Cafe was born in the Skibo Lounge of Dannevirke's historic Carnegie building.

The cafe evolved and eventually occupied the entire building to better support our youth as Tararua Community Youth Services. Packing up to move to new premises was an emotional day for many.

"So many young people have called this place home over the past 30 years and all the memories will be cherished forever, but it's now full steam ahead for better and brighter adventures and to create new memories," Jeanne O'Brien, manager of Tararua Community Youth Services said.

Tararua Community Youth Services said farewell to the Carnegie Centre last Friday, from left, Rosie Whaitiri, Roly Ellis, Coral-Mae Jacobsen, Jeanne O'Brien, Bonus Bristow-Chase, Glennis McDonald, Sonny Rutene, Nikita Paikea, Johnson Harrison, Mihikotukutuku-Maira Lawson and Terry Hynes. Photo / Christine McKay

"The original Friday night drop-in centre came about because of community concerns over petty crime after a public outcry at a meeting in the Town Hall. The centre grew and extended into Pahiatua and we have evolved through a lot of hard work."

TCYS has now moved into new premises in Gordon St, formerly Scanpower and then Turfrey's base, where O'Brien said there was a "lot of warmth and aroha".

"You just feel at home when you walk in here," she said.

The move from the District Council-owned Carnegie Centre was the result of the premises requiring earthquake strengthening to bring it to 34 per cent of earthquake code, with cost estimates up to $1 million.

"Our chairman, Terry Hynes, did a lot of work, trying to find a place and he has done an amazing job because at times he was going around in circles," TCYS board member, Roly Ellis, said.

O'Brien said in his search Hynes talked with the young people and determined their needs.
"The search has taken most of his life for three months," she said.

Meanwhile, the fate of the Carnegie Centre, which has a Category 2 historic listing, remains in limbo.

The Tararua District Council's property portfolio holders have now discussed options for the future of what was originally the Carnegie Library, built in 1907 with a grant from industrialist Andrew Carnegie.

A report will be prepared by Peter Wimsett, council's manager of strategy and district development, to be included on the agenda for April's council meeting, after councillors discussed options at a workshop meeting without media present.

"We are continuing to investigate options for the future of the building," Wimsett said. "We have to consider all alternatives and go through Heritage New Zealand and then look to appoint an independent commissioner and go out for public submissions."

District councillor Carole Isaacson told the Dannevirke Community Board last week, if demolition did occur, council would be looking at future options.

"We want a robust process, but things are moving fast now," she said.

But, in the meantime, community board member Terry Hynes, chairman of Tararua Community Youth Services, is concerned about provisions to prevent vandalism in the now-vacant building.

"It's imperative it's secure and vandal-proofed," he said.

Wimsett said there were multiple CCTV security cameras which take in the Carnegie Centre and it has a security alarm.