The redeveloped Community Centre facilities will be ready for use from early March.

Before 2000, the centre had only the existing hall and community library.

With the relocation of the library to the new Service Centre and Library building on the corner of Clyde and Jeffreys roads, there was a chance to incorporate its vacated space and extend the facilities available in the Community Centre.

To ensure community support, a consultation plan was set up and carried out.

There was overwhelming support for the Council retaining the old library space as a community centre that could offer a range of educational, cultural, passive and physical activities.

Many recognised that there was a shortage of space available for community groups in the Fendalton area. The new facility’s comfortable and well-appointed activity areas help resolve this.

The building’s refurbishment included redesigning the interior to feature a new auditorium for up to 145 people, a seminar room for up to 34 people, an activities room for about 40 people and a small meeting room. The existing recreation hall and kitchen complement the facility.

The auditorium is available for seminars, group presentations, cultural and passive activities. Smaller groups will be able to use the seminar room for education/tutorials, meetings, presentations and a limited range of social events.

The activities room is available for messy type arts and craft pursuits or group activities. A small meeting room is attached to this space. The recreation hall is available for functions, music performances, large meetings and sports group activities. For large events or conventions the total facility is available, whereas a community group will be able to choose the most suitable facility.

Fendalton Primary School uses the recreation hall on weekdays during the school term from 9am to 3.30pm but it is available out of school hours.

The activities room is to be the home of the Fendalton Out of School Programme, which runs on all weekdays from 3-6pm but is available for community group use outside these hours.

Interested community groups are welcome to inspect the already sought-after facilities. Already a wide range of groups have indicated a desire to use the facilities. All, aside from the small meeting room, are serviced and independently accessible.

• For more information or to inspect the facilities, please phone 941 6731. Applications to hire the facilities can be made in writing to the Community Advocate, Christchurch City Council, PO Box 29,183 Fendalton.