Tokomairiro tutors seeking new space
MILTON
A MILTON organisation known for breaking down barriers to learning is about to lose its own walls.
Tokomairiro Training has specialised in training young people from schools across coastal Otago in forestry, workplace skills, and alternative education programmes, for the past 25 years.
The centre is funded by the forestry industry and grants, and operates in partnership with Tokomairiro High School.
Lately, the centre has been based in a series of classrooms and sheds adjoining the town’s Clutha District Council service centre and library on Union St, positioned in its own, 800sq m work yard.
But centre programme manager Lynda Allan says that will soon be forced to change.
‘‘Unfortunately it’s come around a bit sooner than perhaps we were expecting, but a councilbacked community group is using this and neighbouring sites for a new swimming pool/service centre complex.
‘‘As you can see the walls are literally coming down around our ears, so we’re urgently seeking alternative accommodation for the training centre in Milton, to enable us to continue with our essential programmes for young people.’’
Council contractors began demolishing nearby buildings last month to make way for the new, $5.8 million pool complex, construction of which is expected to start early next year, and conclude by 2022.
Mrs Allan said the centre did not expect to be evicted immediately but the need to find new premises was ‘‘pressing’’.
‘‘The council is our landlord, but neither they nor the pool committee has been able to give us a clear date to move out.
‘‘We’ve got a meeting . . . and I’ve got my eye on one other possibility,’’ she said.