News | 7 March 2022
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Strathmore Park Community Centre set for a refresh

Construction will begin on the much-anticipated upgrade of the Strathmore Park Community Centre from Monday 4 April.

An artist render of a community centre with large red abstract designs on either side of large windows.

The Centre will be closed to the public from Tuesday 8 March to begin the process of moving all the belongings out of the building for construction to start.

Many services will be relocated due to construction. Construction for the $2.1 million upgrade is expected to be completed in late 2022.

This Council-owned 1940s building, run by the Strathmore Park Community Centre Trust, has provided a much-needed community hub for the people of Strathmore Park, and the Council has worked closely with the Trust to create a design that meets the requirements of the community.

The upgrade will increase functionality, usability, and safety for the community, and will include:
o New floor
o New kitchen
o Better storage
o Improved subfloor drainage
o Improved insulation
o Better internal layout to improve the usability of all the spaces and increase the safety of staff and users
o Improved landscaping

The exterior will be dramatically enhanced with a new architectural element of the building featuring an artwork by a Motu Kairangi local and mana whenua artist Pokau Te Ahuru (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Te Atiawa, Ngāruahinerangi). Pokau has worked in collaboration with Etch Architecture to translate his striking designs into a functional artwork. 

Based on Tukutuku (ornamental woven latticework panels) design and principles and inspired by Tāniko (decorative weaving), the artwork encompasses two large timber and aluminium screens which sit on the north-east corner of the community centre. The screens frame large windows and are designed to slide open or closed, creating a focal point for the building and welcoming the community into the centre.

Fiona Prestidge, Manager of the Strathmore Park Community Centre Trust says the investment in this upgrade will provide a greatly improved space for the Strathmore Park community.

“It’s exciting to imagine how this upgrade will activate even more groups, events and activities than we see now. The building is going to be a fantastic space for all.”

An artists render of inside a new Community Centre with circular seating arrangements and high tables with stools.

"The Raukawa Community Centre are extending their hours, and this will help us house a lot of our services while construction goes on, which means we can continue to support the many groups that use our space,” Fiona says.

The Strathmore Park Community Centre Trust’s arrangements are:

  • Extended hours at Raukawa Community Centre, 67 Raukawa Street, Strathmore Park.
  • The Monday Kaibosh food rescue will be held at the Assyrian Church Hall, Glamis Avenue, Strathmore Park.
  • Starting from Tuesday 29 March, The Strathmore Park Community Centre Trust’s coordinator and tea/coffee drop in will be at Strathmore Plunket rooms, Kinghorne St, Strathmore Park on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Focus Projects Limited will be carrying out this work. Their hours will be Monday to Friday between 6.30am and 6pm with construction noise not permitted until after 7.30am. There may be work done on the occasional Saturday as well. 

For more information about the upgrade, visit wellington.govt.nz/strathmore-park.

For more information about the Strathmore Park Community Centre’s services and activities please refer to strathmorepark.nz.

Full design concepts for the Centre can be found here: