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Warkworth Men’s Shed has finalised plans to expand its existing space at the Warkworth Showgrounds, providing more room to work on projects and better utilise the existing space.
Men’s Shed chair Barry Thompson says the plan is to extend the shed by 30 square metres – the maximum allowable without requiring permission from Auckland Council.
The redesigned men’s shed will feature an “outdoor” area, a machine room, a woodworking area, spray painting area, “technical area” and metal workshop.
The machine room will be completely walled off, ensuring noise and dust is confined to this room and making other areas more pleasant to work in. Those working in the machine room will be required to wear earmuffs.
The other areas will have smaller, quieter machinery and the technical area will facilitate 3D printing.
The outdoor area will accommodate larger projects and although more exposed and not lockable, will feature some walls and roofing to protect projects and tools from the wind and rain.
Among the larger community projects that the expanded Men’s Shed will be able to accommodate is one to restore a historic kauri meeting table from the Whangateau Hall.
Barry says the table is more than two metres long and about 1.8 metres wide and currently difficult to find room for.
Meanwhile, the Men’s Shed continues to make and supply pest traps for local community groups and has set up a mini-production facility within its existing space.
Shed member Glyn Williams estimates members have produced almost 1000 traps in recent months.
The Men’s Shed is located behind the Kowhai Art & Craft Centre and provides men and women with access to a range of woodworking and engineering tools, which they can use to work on personal or community projects.
Barry Thompson says the expansion project is expected to cost about $12,000 and Men’s Shed is making grant applications and seeking community support to secure the funding.
To support the Men’s Shed expansion project or join the Men’s Shed, email mensshedwarkworth@gmail.com.
