Designs for two major community spaces in the Ponsonby area were given the green light to move ahead at Waitematā Local Board’s October business meeting.
“We’re excited to see these projects moving forward,” says board chair Genevieve Sage. “We know how important they are to locals and acknowledge that they’ve been in the pipeline for some time.”
A concept design option for the restoration and modernisation of the Leys Institute on St Marys Road has been approved by the board, but it was noted that the design will require some revisions to reduce costs.
The Leys Institute gymnasium and library buildings closed in 2019 due to the safety risk they pose in the event of an earthquake.
Two concept design options for the upgrade of these heritage buildings were presented to the public and the board in 2022 for feedback. The chosen option connects the separate library and gymnasium buildings by a three-level addition which opens onto a courtyard and outside space. It includes a lift and new community spaces. However, it requires more funding than is currently available.
Taking into consideration current budget constraints, the local board decided to progress with this concept design option, but with a reduced scope, which will require removing some of the elements.
A preliminary design for the civic space at 254 Ponsonby Road has also been approved by the board. It was developed with input from the local board and the community, based on LandLAB’s community-led design concept which was approved in 2020.
The design includes a public space with grass and pathways, an urban canopy, a pergola and seating area, public toilets and a water storage and reuse system.
Initial works are due to start on the project in February 2024.
A detailed design will be presented to the board for approval early next year.
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Published: November 2023