Supporting communities  |  18 Sep 2024

Share this story

Christchurch City Council is partnering with the Youth Hub Christchurch Trust to build a youth-centred event and activity centre that will hold up to 200 people.

The Council today approved a $2 million grant from the Capital Endowment Fund to support stage two of the Youth Hub development project in central Christchurch.

Stage one, which includes a wrap-around youth services block, a supported housing wing with 22 bedrooms and an outdoor activities courtyard, is expected to open progressively from November this year. Stage two, the Events Centre, will cater for a wide variety of activities such as music, dance, indoor sport, drama, performances, talks and creative arts.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says it is appropriate that the Council contribute to Youth Hub Christchurch. The project has already attracted government funding along with substantial support from trusts, foundations and private individuals. 

The Youth Hub is being built at 109 Salisbury Street

“I know that for our youngsters growing up over the past few years they’ve faced some big challenges and especially so here in Christchurch. We’ve consistently heard that they want safe spaces and accessible facilities, so I think this is going to really benefit our young people and therefore our city,” the Mayor says.

“Having a one-stop-shop to provide young people with services, activities and supported housing all in one place plus an events centre is going to be a first for New Zealand. Supporting Youth Hub Christchurch is the right thing to do.”

The events centre will be a simple ‘square box’ to allow for a wide range of event types and sizes. Its design will allow for planned future additions such as band practice rooms, a café, and art and recreation space, to be added as funding allows.

“We know there’s a real lack of youth-specific facilities in Christchurch and we are thrilled the Council is investing in our city’s future,” Chair of the Youth Hub Trust Dame Sue Bagshaw says.

The total cost of the event space is $2.45 million, and the Trust is working with other funders to secure the remaining funding. Construction is due to begin in 2025, once detailed design work is complete.