Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: Hutt City Council
Hutt City Council has purchased the historic Naenae Post Office building at the centre of Hillary Court as part of plans to revitalise the Naenae town centre.
Mayor Campbell Barry says the purchase marks the return of a community facility to the town centre.
“In recent years, Naenae has experienced a loss of community services and facilities that has had a major impact on the town centre,” says Campbell Barry.
“The Voice of the Community report we undertook with local residents following the closure of Naenae Pool made it clear that spaces for people to come together was a priority, and we’ve made good on that by purchasing the building for this purpose.”
Campbell Barry says turning the Post Office into a community facility will support the revitalisation of the town centre as council continues its progress towards rebuilding Naenae Pool.
“Alongside our $68 million investment into rebuilding Naenae Pool and work on a new spatial plan, redeveloping the old Post Office will assist in bringing life back to Hillary Court for our residents and local businesses.”
“The heritage value of Naenae Post Office, as well as its location, makes it an iconic part of the Naenae strip mall. This makes it even more symbolic to return it back to the community for their use.”
The building has been closed since 2015, and will require earthquake strengthening and refurbishment work before the building opens.
“While we work to strengthen the old Post Office, we will be engaging with the community advisory group to co-design the space to ensure that we can provide a facility that’s built and operated in partnership,” says Campbell Barry.
To find out more about the Naenae Spatial Plan, New Naenae Pool, and the Voice of the Community Report visit our Have Your Say website.
The building was constructed in the 1960s and has approximately 380sqm of usable space.
When COVID-19 alert levels allow larger gatherings, an event will be held as part of the Naenae Markets to celebrate the returning of the building to the community.
The Whakatupu Ngaengae Community Advisory Group is working alongside the Project Team to ensure the voice of the community continues to guide this work.
