Decision awaited on former Kauri Kids space

Options for the future of the former Kauri Kids Early Childhood Education space, in the Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre have been put before the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.

They include leasing to a commercial, or community, organisation, mothballing, or even demolishing, that part of the centre.

The former Kauri Kids space is on a corner of the building, adjacent to the Splash Pad and includes an interior and outside area.

What happens to the vacant space was discussed at two recent workshops, with council staff recommending reincorporating the space into the leisure centre, as a place for health-related services. Another option, relocating the centre’s café, is not supported by council staff who say it would incur high costs for the local board.

Members asked for more detailed financial information about the options to help them make an informed choice.

Former chair Gary Brown said that any business would pay its own set up and fit out costs, and that a commercial operation that returns money to council would be a good idea.

Kauri Kids closed just before Christmas and deputy chair Julia Parfitt pointed out that it is being “mothballed by default” as it is taking time to move forward.

Council staff will come back to the local board again with more information and it is hoped a decision can be made by the end of June.