Construction of New Zealand’s first, purpose-built centre for youth well-being can now start following an extra $2.5 million of COVID-19 response funding.

Land on Salisbury Street was specifically purchased for the project by Anglican Care and will be leased back to the Youth Hub Trust to build and run the facility.

Housing Minister and Associate Minister of Finance, Megan Woods said “the Christchurch Youth Hub is about bringing together all the things young people need in one place, like counselling, training, catch-up education and safe housing, which will bring huge benefits for local youth and the wider community. It is a real pleasure to be able to give this project a little extra help.”

 The well-being hub in Christchurch’s central city will provide space for about 12 different youth organisations and include facilities for arts, recreation and training as well as providing job opportunities in an onsite cafe and organic vegetable farm.

It will also provide transitional housing for 16 to 24 years olds, where they’ll be given social support from qualified, live-in staff. Most will stay from 3-18 months at a time, providing they are involved in formal education or actively looking for work.  

 The Hub is designed to help those who need it, to get ready for independent flatting and employment with the provision of a one-stop shop model of wrap-around services.

“With resource and consents now granted, after a period of delay caused by Covid-19 and a consent appeal, the project is ready to get underway in the coming months,” Megan Woods said.

 An agreement has been reached with neighbours previously opposed to the project, meaning resource consent could be granted.