Charity rolls up to newhome
A charity that organises free cooking classes has found a home in in the downstairs area of the old Porirua City Bowling Club.
WELLfed, which teaches families how to plan, shop and safely prepare low-cost and healthy meals, has taken up residence along Hampshire Street.
The bowling club closed in 2015, leaving the council-owned building vacant.
The City Delivery Committee agreed on June 14 to lease the site to WELLfed for an initial six-month period from August 1.
A council spokesman said the peppercorn rent for the site for the length of the trial will be $208, and if the lease is confirmed after six months it will be $250 per month.
The goal is to give the charity, which has spread across three locations in Porirua over the last 18 months, a chance to establish itself in a single spot and expand.
Maintenance work to the building to prepare it for lease in the last three years has included earthquake strengthening, electrical work and asbestos removal.
The building has basic hall facilities and a commercial kitchen to use.
The committee’s chair- woman, Anita Baker, said WELLfed had ‘‘a solid reputation in the city for helping families manage on tight budgets through cooking and learning about nutrition, health and wellbeing’’.
‘‘It’s great the old bowling club premises are now up to the task of providing WELLfed a place to continue their valuable work.’’
Following the trial, and if WELLfed continue in the building, other community groups will have the opportunity to lease the remaining space.
The committee’s recommendation will need to be ratified at another council meeting on June 27.