Step closer to new youth centre

Leanne Mallinder, left, Leana Rose-Peake, Devon Welch, Laci Evans-Kaipara, Ross Crowe, David Orchard, Richard Mansell, Denis Chin, Sean Blunkell.

The refurbishment of Zeal Kapiti's new youth development centre is one step closer to becoming a reality following the signing of a contract with Levin-based Crowe Construction.

Zeal Kapiti's premier centre will be in the former fruit and vegetable barn located beside Pak'nSave in Paraparaumu.

Work to transform the site into a dynamic youth development space will start this month.

The Youth Development Centre is one of the major projects identified in the council's FutureKāpiti — Long Term Plan 2015-2035 and was endorsed by the community during consultation on the plan.

"The Zeal Kapiti team is very excited to be finally starting renovation on the youth centre," Zeal Kapiti manager David Orchard said.

"The centre will be fully kitted-out with band rehearsal rooms, a digital design suite, an after-school hangout space, a creative workshop, and a purpose-built youth event space.

"The building will be a safe and welcoming hub for young people to develop their creative passions."

The Kapiti Coast Youth Council played a vital role in helping to get the vision for the centre off the ground, lending their support to the many youth voices asking for a space dedicated to the young people of the community.

Appointed Zeal advisory group member councillor James Cootes said the level of excitement and anticipation around the centre's refit from local youth was noticeable and reinforced the drive to have the centre in Kapiti.

"I've been very impressed with the work Zeal does in our community," he said.

"It creates pathways connected through creativity from the schools back to the centre.

"It's a place where young people can go to express themselves, feel safe, and be valued in a group of their peers."

The extensive renovation will realise the long term vision of an equipped home base for the youth development programming in Paraparaumu.

Zeal's centre should be completed by mid-2018.