Securing a large, low-maintenance community space in Hataitai for at least another 100 years is invaluable - what an amazing gift and an opportunity! In recognition of this wonderful gift and to thank the Hataitai Bowling Club members since its inception, we want to treat this building to the renovation it deserves.

Wellington City Council has identified this building, as earthquake-prone, with a requirement to meet the New Building Standards by 2027. Making now the ideal time to modernise this historic property.

Our most recent calculations put the estimated total cost at $6.5m. This seems like a lot but it's not just the cost of the build. The latest Quantity Surveyor budget, updated in October 2023, estimated a total construction and fitout cost of $4.4m. This price includes the following key items:

• retaining but making good the existing exterior and frame of the building

• earthquake strengthening to meet 100% of New Building Standards

• raising the first floor 700mm to provide a generous ceiling height to the ground floor and aligning first floor flat access with Hataitai Road

• provisions for an accessible building, including a lift

• all new double glazed windows and doors

• high levels of insulation throughout the building

• a new roof

• all new interior landings and fit out

• new heating system

• commercial kitchen including fit-out

• audio visual/automation systems

• fixtures and fittings for office space and kitchens and bathrooms

• a carpark space off Hataitai Rd

• electrical services and fittings, including external lighting in line with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design standards.

In addition to the building costs of $4.4m, we have budgeted for;

• professional, council and consent fees

• fundraising costs

• rates, insurance, power etc for when the building is not generating any income

• price rises in the building sector

• contingencies to mitigate the build risk

We have taken a conservative approach to the budget to ensure we have sufficient funds to fully complete the project.

This investment will provide a modern multi-purpose venue, reduce ongoing maintenance costs and ensure the property is retained for the future generations of the Eastern Suburbs and wider Wellington community.

Our Quantity Surveyor has confirmed that refurbishing our current building will be considerably cheaper than carrying out a demolish and rebuild to the same specification. A full demolish and rebuild option attracts a price increase of ~35% on a like for like basis when compared to an adaptive re-use of the existing building. In addition to financial benefits, keeping the old building also has environmental benefits, including reduced carbon emissions and reduced waste, and we can retain its cultural value and character.

The goal is to minimise both waste and carbon emissions, during the building process, and after it. Keeping what we can of the old building, especially the foundations and much of the old hardwood timber framing, will contribute to that goal. New materials will be recyclable or biodegradable wherever it is both technically and financially possible. We are installing very high levels of insulation, making the building envelope very airtight, reducing cold bridges (materials that conduct heat from inside to out), and including a low-power mechanical ventilation and heat recovery (MVHR) system to provide tempered fresh air.

We envisage the new venue will be a place that always has something on offer.

Like it is today, it will still be great for community meetings and private parties, classes like dance, yoga and pilates, but in a dry, warm, fresh, modern and comfortable space. In addition, the new space will be great for art and cultural activities, including performances (theatre, dance, film, lectures, poetry, music, etc.) exhibitions (visual art, architecture, craft, etc.) and workshops. It can also be a place where visitors can simply drop in and connect with people over tea or coffee.

It’s a gift for Wellington. The new facility will not only be a great asset for Hataitai residents, but a terrific addition to the suite of public facilities in central Wellington and the Eastern Suburbs especially. The property is well located to have a wide reach, on a major bus route and just over 1km from the Basin Reserve. This will draw events into Hataitai and should also have an economic benefit for our local businesses and residents too.

Hataitai Kindergarten is currently located on the Town Belt and on a site of possible roading development proposed for the second Mt Victoria tunnel. If it is agreed to widen the existing Mt Victoria tunnel, Waka Kotahi, New Zealand Transport Authority, will be obliged to find new premises for the kindergarten.

As such, The Hataitai Community Recreation Trust continues to work closely with the Whānau Manaaki Kindergarten Association. Both parties have a strong desire to have the Hataitai Kindergarten moved onsite. It is intended that a new building will be positioned on the existing pétanque piste and although standalone, the building will be connected to the redeveloped bowling club by a shared roof - providing a shared covered walkway and a continuation of the building style.

This is a passion project run by volunteers. We welcome helping hands and specific skills, including CRM management, graphic design, event management, comms and marketing, social media, fundraising, administration and finance. If you think you can support this project in any way we would love to hear from you. Please email sonia@hataitai.org.nz

To offer financial support see our How to Donate page for more information.