How about we step inside Auckland Council Albany Hub? It is more than just a building. It’s a community heart.
Since its opening in 2017, the Albany Community Hub has served Albany locals. It offers programs and events. The Upper Harbour Local Board always wanted the hub managed by the community. Now, Harbour Sport manages the Auckland Council Albany Hub.
Harbour Sport CEO Mike Bishop is excited. He wants to showcase all aspects of the community. Grace Alley is the Community Hub Manager. She aims to activate the Upper Harbour community. She also wants to create relationships with community members.
The Auckland Council Albany Hub sits ideally at Albany Domain. You will find it off Albany Highway. It offers space for activities. Community groups can also hire it.
Let’s dive into the Albany Community Hub’s history. Work started in November 2016. It was a 1.2 million dollar project. It was a legacy project from the former North Shore City Council. The new building connects to an older one via a covered walkway. In July 2017, the hub was blessed. Forty people attended. They included local board members and kaumatua Otene Reweti. From 2018 to March 2022, Auckland Council operated the hub. It was a venue for hire. In October 2021, the council sought community interest to manage the hub. In April 2022, Harbour Sport Trust was contracted. They manage the hub now. Their responsibilities include venue hire and programming.
The Albany Community Hub consists of two buildings. The smaller one is about 132 square meters. The larger one is about 420 square meters. The larger building opened in 2017. Both buildings connect via a covered walkway. The council owns the facility. Harbour Sport manages it since April 1, 2022.
The management aligns with the Upper Harbour Local Board Plan. It focuses on empowered communities. It encourages residents to participate. It also fosters a sense of belonging.
The Upper Harbour Local Board Plan focuses on resilience. It aims to increase awareness of risks and issues. It builds capacity. It also encourages social connectedness. The plan empowers local people. It enables them to design activities and events. These build community and celebrate diversity. The board provides practical support. They offer funding, partnerships, and skill-learning opportunities.
The Albany Community Hub provides access to a safe and welcoming venue. It offers a facility booking service. This allows communities to use space for their activities.
Activation involves coordinating activities for the local community. This ensures a wide range of activities. These meet diverse community needs and interests. It also provides personal customer service.
Programming develops programs. They respond to community needs. They cater to different ages, ethnicities, and genders.
Amanda Isada is the Albany Community Hub Manager. She ensures the hub is accessible, vibrant, and safe. She organizes community workshops and events. She connects with community members and businesses. She also shares a vision of bringing Albany residents closer.
The community facilities are the heart of the community. A community organization manages them. It is a place for events and activities. It is also a place for community capacity building. The Albany Community Hub encourages networking and empowering the community.
The Auckland Council Albany Hub is open to all. It doesn’t belong to a select group. The hub offers fair and affordable access. The Albany Community Hub includes spaces. It has disability access and toilets.
The venue suits workshops, meetings, programs, and events. It features a commercial kitchen and a communal garden. There is a book library and recreational equipment available.
The Albany Hub office space is essential to Auckland Council’s Auckland Property Strategy. It consolidates staff and operations from Henderson, Orewa, and Takapuna. The consolidated Hub covers 10,000 square meters across three levels.
Auckland Council aims for a 6 Star Green Star interiors rating. The open atrium stair design connects the community. It also provides flexibility. The office includes workspaces, meeting rooms, and collaboration zones. There are hub kitchens and a commercial kitchen cafe space. Mana Whenua design principles are incorporated throughout the building.