10 years on, construction starts on youth facility
New Zealand’s first purpose-built, one-stop-shop to support youth health and wellbeing is a step closer to reality with construction work finally under way.
Those behind the Christchurch Youth Hub fought for a decade to find a permanent location and get the project off the ground.
‘‘We’ve been planning this facility for, gosh 10 years now, and it’s so exciting to have it actually started,’’ Youth Hub Trust chairperson Dame Sue Bagshaw said.
The hub, to be built on the old bowling clubrooms on Salisbury St, will house wrap-around care and support services for young people aged between 10 and 25.
Phase one of the project – encompassing the main building to house medical and social services and a supported housing wing – had been made possible by Anglican Care gifting the site, $12.5 million in Government funding, and donations from many individuals and local organisations.
Bagshaw said the supported housing facilities would set the Youth Hub apart.
‘‘These will be able to accommodate 40 young people for anywhere from three to 18 months, during which time they’ll be assisted with their health, employment, catch-up education and given the vital support they need to transition into independent living.’’
Foundations would be drilled once the site was cleared in two to three months, then Naylor Love would begin work.
‘‘We look forward to getting construction under way to develop these fantastic facilities, which will serve the young people of this city for decades to come,’’ Naylor Love South Island managing director Graeme Earl said.
Bagshaw said building consent was expected to be granted by the Christchurch City Council by November.
The trust still needed to raise another $17.5m to complete the facility.