Queenstown’s new Salvation Army hub at Remarkables Park might be slightly delayed, but it’ll be worth the wait.
Sallies’ community ministries director Andrew Wilson says the build of the $10million facility that began in August 2022 was due for completion by September, but a few ‘‘speed bumps’’ have delayed it.
The main cause of delay is work to seal the carpark, unable to be completed during winter.
But Wilson says he can’t wait for the planned open day on November 11.
‘‘I’m really looking forward to having a day of celebration for the whole community to come around and witness what this building can do and can be for those that need it,’’ he says.
The 1800 square metre Pin Oak Drive site will include a 120-seat auditorium, a 50sqm multi-function room with an adjustable wall that can divide it into two smaller rooms, plus a space for one-on-one meetings.
The building will be a hub not just for the Salvation Army but for all community organisations that need to make use of the space, Wilson says.
‘‘For a long time now community growth agencies and small start-ups have yearned for dedicated community facilities.
‘‘From ground up, this building has been designed with the community in mind with different rooms for different types of community groups to use.’’
The building also contains office space for partner agencies to lease long-term — Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust’s one of the first tenants.
Come November, the hub will be officially opened with a dawn blessing led by Waihopai Runaka kaumatua Michael Skerrett before the auditorium’s christened later in the day.
Also planned is an evening concert where ‘‘all the Salvation Army traditions’’ will be rolled out, including performances from Sallies’ Dunedin brass band, a South Island waiata group and some local talent.
The opening will close out with a church service on November 12.
‘‘Because this building project has been such a long time in the waiting, why finish it off with just one service when you can have multiple?’’ Wilson asks.
‘‘For the opening day we really want to showcase what the building can offer the community.’’
