Mt Pleasant to celebrate opening of new community centre

A new state-of-the-art $4.6 million community centre in Mt Pleasant will open to the public this weekend.

The Mt Pleasant Memorial Community Centre officially opens tomorrow after five years of planning and fundraising by the community to get the project off the ground. 

The new Mt Pleasant Memorial Community Centre.

Designed by architect Chris Moller, who presents television show Grand Designs NZ, the centre has unique exposed wood walls and ceilings, and a stunning view across the Estuary.

Mt Pleasant Community Association president Derek McCullough said there was a sense of anticipation and excitement ahead of the Community Centre opening.

“The local residents have watched the project unfold over the last five years and are looking forward to having their community centre back again.

“It has been a long hard slog for the committee, but they have been buoyed by the support they have received from the community along the way.”

Mr McCullough said there had already been huge demand for the centre, with bookings made for a wide range of activities.

“Already there are bookings for singing and music groups, martial arts, dance and exercise classes, as well as weddings and birthday parties.”

The official opening activities include a blessing on site at 7am tomorrow, followed by an evening event.

An exhibition by Christchurch artist Florence Egasse will be held inside the building on Saturday and Sunday, while this weekend also marks the return of the Mt Pleasant Farmers Market to its old home.

Inside the new Mt Pleasant Memorial Community Centre.

"Mt Pleasant was badly affected by the earthquakes, so it is wonderful to have a reason to celebrate again.”

The building cost about $4.6 million to build, made up from a combination of a $1.6 million insurance payout, donations from the Prime Minister’s Earthquake Appeal Fund, Lotteries Commission and Christchurch Earthquake Mayoral Relief, plus $100,000 in small donations from residents of the neighbourhood.

The final building is about 600sqm, with a two story main hall that can hold 180 people for a speech and a 150 for a wedding. There is a central atrium which is "social space". Upstairs is a studio with a sprung floor for yoga and dance. There's a 'flex' room for small meetings or arts and crafts, a catering kitchen, and an office.

Find out more about the Mt Pleasant Memorial Community Centre.