Waimea South Community Facilities Feasibility Study

Date: October 2023 – March 2024
Client:  Tasman District Council

Project Description

Tasman District Council had been working with the Waimea South Community Hub Steering Group on a project to develop a multi-purpose community facility that would serve both the Brightwater and Wakefield communities.

A key driver for this work was the need to replace the earthquake-prone Wakefield Village Hall and ensure continued access to suitable community facilities across Waimea South. A previously completed Needs and Options Study recommended a split-provision approach, involving investment in both Wakefield and Brightwater.

The purpose of the feasibility study was to confirm the level of need, define the scope, and identify the financial requirements for developing a new community facility in Wakefield, as well as upgrading existing facilities at Centennial Park in Brightwater.

RSL’s Role

RSL worked with a steering committee to explore facility options for both locations. A number of face to face interviews in each community,  a comprehensive review of secondary data, and an assessment of current facility challenges, spatial requirements was included. A separate needs and options assessment was completed, including preliminary concept designs, indicative costings and operating budgets tailored to each community facility and operating model.

Project Outcome

The final report recommended a new multiuse community hub and location in Wakefield with indicative capital costings, location and operating budget. While an upgrade to key facilities in Brightwater was proposed with an indicative capital cost for these upgrades.