Waimakariri councillors and the Woodend-Sefton Community Board have given the green light to an exciting new development in Pegasus.

A multi-purpose Community Centre, proposed for Pegasus Main Street, is set to become a reality.

This ambitious project involves the acquisition of land and the construction of a 400 square metre facility, expected to be completed by mid-2026.

The plan also includes the creation of a car park, provisions for future expansion of the building, and the potential establishment of a passive youth space.

This development follows an extensive review by the Council examining the present and future community facility needs in the Pegasus/North Woodend area.

The outcome of this review was the allocation of $4.7 million in the 2021/31 Long Term Plan, specifically earmarked for the Pegasus area.

Chris Brown, the General Manager of Community and Recreation said the staff undertook a significant exercise to identify suitable land for the community centre, resulting in two potential sites.

The choices narrowed down to the Waitaki Reserve, owned by the Council, and a site on Pegasus Main Street, owned by the Templeton Group.

The community’s voice played a pivotal role in the decision-making process, with over three-quarters of respondents favouring the lakeside location.

The Templeton Group, initially planning to independently construct the community centre for the Council, has now shifted to a collaborative partnership approach.

The Council will purchase the land and oversee the building of the centre.

Brown emphasised that there are still steps to be taken regarding the land purchase and the finalisation of the design.

The current Pegasus Community Centre, located on Tahuna Street, has been under the successful management of the Pegasus Residents Association since 2017.

However, with the lease expiring in June 2025, the new facility is timely.

It is expected to cater to a broader range of groups and individuals, enhancing community engagement.