Community hub on hold

Howick Local Board chairwoman Adele White stands at the proposed location of the future Flat Bush library and community centre at the Ormiston Town Centre. Residents of fast growing Flat Bush and Ormiston suburbs have little hope of seeing a planned library and community centre eventuate in the near future.

The Howick Local Board and Auckland Council have talked for years about delivering a library and community centre to Flat Bush.

In September 2019 the former Howick Local Board voted to approve land at Ormiston Town Centre for the new dual facility. The library, community centre and an aquatic leisure centre were then deemed to be “priorities.”

It was envisaged that a design team would complete concept designs for the facility to be discussed at a workshop with the board early in 2020.

Present board chairperson, Adele White said recently that the board had expected to see a community centre and library in Flat Bush by mid 2021.

“The Flat Bush and Ormiston community has quickly grown to being home for over 40,000 people, she said.

“A community centre is essential in providing a space where residents will share ideas, celebrate their cultures, and truly connect as a community.

However, Council head of asset management and investment programme Rob Cairns has said the Flat Bush library and community hub project has been put on hold as part of the Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and the financial constraints in its emergency budget 2020-2021.

“Prior to being put on hold, community engagement on the activities and services required was completed and procurement for a design team was well advanced.”

He added that the library and community hub remained a priority project and would be delivered as a single integrated building offering multiple services and activities, on the northern side of the Ormiston Town Centre.”

However he said timing of progress is dependent on when budget is available through the [council’s] 20212031 long-term plan, which was due to be adopted in June (2021).

FAIRWAY GARDENS RETIREMENT HAVEN

Modern day retirement just gets better and better with resort style retirement villages generally offering a secure and comfortable, social and active lifestyle.

Presently under construction on the corner of Botany and Cascades Roads, and overlooking Pakuranga Golf Course, is Metlife’s new retirement village – Fairway Gardens.

Stage one, due for completion in early 2022, will comprise 58 two and three bedroom apartments across four architecturally-designed buildings – many of which will enjoy stunning views across the Pakuranga Golf Course.

Hot on the heels of Stage 1 will be construction of the clubhouse, home to a lounge, bar, café, library, activities room, pool, gym, spa, beauty salon and hobbies room. This building will also house 27 one, two and three bedroom premium apartments also due for completion in 2022.

Development sales and marketing manager, David Martin says the $180 million development in East Auckland is unlike any other retirement village in the country, and demand is expected to be extremely high.

Aimed at becoming a high-quality, community focused village, which promotes activities, wellness and social interaction, it has been designed around a pedestrian friendly, tree-lined avenue.

The main building, with its reception and common amenities such as the café, bar, outdoor lounge, fireplace and barbecue area, will be the heart of the village, centrally located and right on the golf course edge.

The stunning wellness area with its swimming pool, gym and spa together with hairdresser, beauty, massage and physio consulting rooms will be complemented by a shared lounge, private dining, a media room, library and activities room on the ground floor. Easy access to all amenities, including undercover parking, has been incorporated into the design.

Seniors keen to retire to this part of east Auckland, will find Fairway Gardens not only caters to golfers and those who appreciate a park-like outlook, but offers close proximity to Botany Town Centre and Howick Village with other malls and local beaches just a stone’s throw away.