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Merivale

Merivale Community Centre

We’re redeveloping the Merivale Community Centre to create a safe, welcoming and flexible space for the communities of Merivale.

Founded in 1993, the Merivale Community Centre is a community-led organisation in the heart of Merivale, Tauranga. No longer fit for purpose, the previous building at Kesteven Ave was demolished in August 2024 and construction of the new centre is underway at the same site. The grand opening of the new centre is planned for late 2025.

A range of social services and programmes are currently provided from the centre to support the Merivale community and beyond, including whānau support, after school and school holiday programmes, youth nights and mentoring. Community food parcels and a range of programmes are delivered by social agencies.

Temporary location for Merivale Community Centre

While the new centre is being built, the Merivale Community Centre is operating from their temporary home at 386 Fraser Street (near Surrey Grove).

All their services will be available here while the new centre is being built in Kesteven Ave. Kai is available on Mondays from 2.30pm.

After school care continues to operate from the Merivale Action Centre – it’s on every school day.

Phone 07 578 6450 or 0800 38 66 57 if you have any questions about how to access their services.

Merivale community centre temporary location

Why we need a new Merivale Community Centre

Development of additional programmes and extension of services provided by the Merivale Community Centre are currently limited by the size of the building occupied.

There are lots of things that can make our community centres better – new and improved facilities, different types of services and activities on offer such as arts, social services or sports and recreation. The redeveloped Merivale Community Centre will be more than just a physical building.

It’s about creating a central hub where the community of Merivale can gather, feel safe, welcomed, develop new friendships and learn new skills. The new community centre will be something the community can own and continue to be proud of, continuing to support the community to enhance wellbeing and create a more connected and inclusive community.

Proposed plan for the Merivale Community Centre

Council, Merivale Community Centre Board and mana whenua are working with the community of Merivale, interested individuals and organisations, to deliver the new community centre.

The 600m2 building will be able to accommodate 175 people. It will meet the needs of the community now and in the future.

The new building will include a reception area, kitchen, multi-functional community space, offices, private consultant rooms, a youth studio/music room, wharepaku and storage facilities. The outdoor area includes a basketball court and seating.

What you’ve told us

In 2019 we asked the communities of Te Papa Peninsula, including Merivale, what they valued about their neighbourhoods, what they would like to change and what they would like to see in the future to help inform the Te Papa Spatial Plan. In particular, the people of Merivale told us they valued working together as a community. 

Te Papa Peninsula survey results (64kb pdf)

In 2020 the Whakahou Taketake Vital Update - Tauranga survey asked the people of Gate Pā and Merivale about their neighbourhood aspirations. 11 per cent of respondents said they wanted more community facilities/recreational opportunities for families/community events.

Gate Pa, Merivale digital dashboard

To help us decide what the future of community centres could look like, in 2021 we undertook a series of surveys to find out more about what’s currently working well, what could work better or what’s missing to meet the needs of our growing city. 

Key information

Project type
Community

Status
Planning

Neighbourhood
Gate Pa / Greerton / Avenues / Merivale

Key dates

  • Engagement and finalise concept plan

    2022 to mid-2024
  • Develop design and consents

    2024 to late 2024
  • Construction

    Late 2024-2025
  • Opening

    Late 2025

Who's listening

Team name or person name
Deon Connoway, Senior Project Manager 

projects.spacesandplaces@tauranga.govt.nz
07 577 7000

Community grants

Tauranga City Council is being supported in this project by community grants from TECT Community Trust ($300,000), BayTrust ($300,000) and NZ Lottery Grants Board ($500,000).

We’re partnering with

Merivale Community Centre Board, Ngāi Tamarāwaho, Ngāti Tapu and Ngāti Ruahine, our funding partners (TECT Community Trust, BayTrust and Lotteries) and the communities of Merivale.

Merivale Community Trust   TECT Community Trust   Lottery Grant Board   BayTrust

Other ways to get involved

Tauranga is your city. We're working to make it even better.

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