Following concerns around Auckland Council’s operation of the Freeman’s Bay Community Centre Hall, the Waitemata Local Board has agreed to change the service model from “venue hire” to a true “Community lead, Community Centre”, which supports several of the objectives of their 2023 Plan.
The change will provide on-site staff, a hosted venue service and active, locally focussed programmes. This will mean a regular human presence at the hall, responsiveness to issues and face-to-face interaction with the public – delivering a more welcoming and better cared-for space.
The Board is conducting a best practice procurement process to identify and appoint the service provider best qualified and suited to manage the centre. At this stage, the Ponsonby Community Centre and the Grey Lynn Community Centre are considered the front runners.
The outcome of the EOI process will be advised in due course.
The FBRA has been vocal about the current structure and welcomes the direction that the Waitemata Local Board is heading. Our opinion is that this community like other communities in New Zealand is dividing more and more. This is not helped by social media, opinion writers and the like. We see an opportunity here to find the right Management that will ensure not only financial success to maintain and improve the hall but also encourage more social activities that bring together all of the residents of different age groups, social groups, cultures and interests to help with the wellbeing of Freemans Bay.
Committee member Richard Stevens is the FBRA’s promoting our views to the Waitemata Local Board on this subject.