Tapawera Community Centre Feasibility Study

Tasman District Council and Tapawera Connect jointly engaged Recreation Sport and Leisure Consultancy to investigate the feasibility of a new multi-use community centre for Tapawera following a strong level of previous support in the community for a new community facility.  

Tapawera had an abundance of community buildings that contributed to the wider community facility network. However, a stocktake of these buildings revealed most were built in two time periods being the early 1900’s or during the heyday of forestry in the district in the 1950s. Community workshops and interviews suggested that existing facilities were not appropriate to meet all the community needs identified into the future. 

The feasibility study found that there was a need for a fit for purpose and modern community facility in Tapawera. A facility that was activated and could provide for the social and wellbeing needs of the community. 

The feasibility study recommended the demolition of the current earthquake-prone community centre, owned by the Tapawera and Districts Community Council, and rebuilding a new fit for purpose community centre on the existing site.