With the relocation in 2000 of the Fendalton Library to the new Service Centre and Library building on the corner of Clyde and Jeffreys Roads, the opportunity arose to increase space in the Community Centre to meet the shortfall of space available for community groups in the Fendalton area.

The original Community Centre building was opened in October 1967 and included a Community Hall, Public Library and Playcentre.

The Council called for community input on how the vacant building could be used. There was an overwhelming response for the Council to provide additional space for community use.

Since then the building has undergone refurbishment, which has included redesigning the interior to feature a new auditorium, seminar room, activities room and a small meeting room. The existing hall and kitchen complete the facility.

The auditorium will be available for seminars, group presentations, cultural and passive activities. Smaller groups will be able to use the Centre’s seminar room.

The activities room will be available for arts and craft pursuits or group activities. A small meeting room is attached to this space. The main hall is available for functions, music performances, large meetings and sports groups.

At present the Fendalton Open Air School has permanent use of the hall from 9 am to 3.30 pm, Monday to Friday during the school term but other groups may be able to book space during these hours at a future date.

The activities room is to be the home of the Fendalton Out of School Programme, Monday to Friday, 3pm to 6 pm and during school holiday periods but will be available for hire outside these hours during the day and evening.

The Fendalton Community Centre will be ready for use from early February 2003.

The Christchurch City Council is calling for interested community groups to apply for space in the facility and from the response received during community consultation, it would expect to see a wide range of groups making use of it. Music tutors, church groups, yoga teachers, playgroups and business groups were just some of the people who expressed an interest to make use of the Centre.