Manaia Town Hall, Sports Complex Demolition to Begin
Demolition of the Manaia Town Hall and Manaia Sports Complex buildings is set to begin, marking the first step towards a new combined community and recreation facility for the town. Jurgens Demolition has been engaged to carry out the demolition, with work expected to start in early June and be completed towards the end of August.
The demolition paves the way for the construction of a new multi-use facility at the old Sports Complex site. The location was approved by Council, after confirming its decision to demolish both buildings and replace them with a modern, purpose-built community hub. Council is progressing the design of the new facility, with Requests for Proposals now open seeking design and build options.
Submissions from interested contractors close in early June, with a report expected to be presented to Council in July to confirm the design option. The Manaia Town Hall and Sports Complex buildings were closed in 2015 and 2017 respectively, after failing to meet minimum earthquake standards. Subsequent assessments confirmed that repairing the buildings would cost significantly more than constructing a new, fit-for-purpose facility. Independent assessments of the Town Hall identified significant issues, earthquake strengthening requirements, including roof replacement, failing floor piling, deteriorating windows, and the presence of asbestos-containing materials.
Council’s Group Manager Community Services Rob Haveswood says combining the two facilities into one will deliver long-term benefits for the community.
“Bringing activities together in one location creates a more vibrant, well-used space, avoids duplication of resources and represents a more cost-effective use of ratepayer funds,” he says. “This hub approach has also been endorsed by the Taranaki Facilities Consortium, a regional group created to review facility challenges and provide support to ensure that facility development aligns to best practice.”
Council has already secured a $600,000 grant from Toi Foundation towards the project.
South Taranaki District Mayor Phil Nixon says the decision reflects the need to move forward after years of uncertainty. “The Manaia community has waited a long time, and the time has come for decisive action,” says Mayor Nixon.
“It may not please everyone, but bringing resources together is a proven approach. We’ve seen it work well in facilities like the TSB Hub, Sinclair Electrical and Refrigeration Events Centre, Waverley Recreation Centre and Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga. It simply makes sense.”
