Hamilton’s Celebrating Age Centre mothballed
Hamilton’s Celebrating Age Centre could be the next council building earmarked for demolition.
A new council report details extensive problems with the 44-year-old building’s roof, leading it to be closed in December. The centre’s tenants included Age Concern, Grey Power and Senior Net – one of which said they were faced with flooding and ‘‘a significant rodent issue’’ while in the building.
The report, which will be presented to councillors in May, recommends staff investigate the feasibility of a new build at the Victoria St site. The 1007 sqm building occupies a prime spot next to the disused Municipal Pools complex. The pools were permanently closed in 2015.
The lack of space for community groups in Hamilton was highlighted during Tuesday’s council debate on the future of Founders Theatre. City councillors and Maangai Mā ori voted 9 to 5 to reject a proposal by the Theatre of the Impossible Trust (TOTI) to transform Founders into a community hub, instead opting to turn the site into a multipurpose park.
Sara Farmer, executive officer for Age Concern Hamilton, said the charity’s preference is to return to the Victoria St site. Age Concern has been temporarily relocated to 150 Grantham St.
‘‘It goes without saying that Age Concern are very grateful that the council has supported us to find a temporary location. We’re grateful for a home but, to be honest, there’s not even a disability parking spot outside our new site.’’
The council’s report on the Celebrating Age Centre says water tightness problems have been an ongoing issue for the past 12 months, resulting in damage to the building. Replacing the building’s roof and carrying out an ‘‘internal reconfiguration’’ could cost city ratepayers $3m – $12m. Replacing the roof alone is expected to cost $1m – $2m.
Farmer wanted to speak to the council’s community committee on Tuesday about the centre but was told the matter would be discussed behind closed doors. The Celebrating Age Centre report was later released to the public following a request by councillor Martin Gallagher.
Farmer said the council completed repairs on the building in 2021, but it was a temporary measure.
‘‘Before that we were being flooded, it’s right across quite a big area. And obviously there was a significant rodent issue which was a result of the Municipal Pools rat population,’’ she said.
The closure of the Celebrating Age Centre has been felt across the city, with 60 community groups regularly using the venue, Farmer said.
‘‘It’s a particularly dangerous situation for the city’s social fabric, especially postCovid. There are more isolated people than ever before as a result of Covid. If we don’t have a pathway for people to find services and find support ... then where will that actually leave us?’’
During this week’s Founders debate, city leaders expressed concern with the council’s past tendency to retrofit older buildings for community use. Farmer said if the council did replace the Celebrating Age Centre, it has to give careful consideration to creating accessible parking nearby.
‘‘I’m not wanting a palace. I just don’t want to be worried that the ceiling is going to collapse on me when we’re having a meeting.’’
Age Concern’s lease at the centre expires in June, 2023.