Merivale Community Centre

DGSE provided architectural design and documentation services for the Merivale Community Centre’s new building, from Preliminary Design through to completion. The multipurpose facility replaces the adapted small dwelling the Centre had been using, located on the corner of Faser St and Kesteven Ave in Tauranga. The design responds to the needs of the diverse local community, where the Merivale Community Trust has been providing outstanding support for over 30 years. The new facility enables the Trust to continue and enhance the services they provide, offering a building that serves as a place to gather and facilitates the discovery of strengths, hope, leadership, connection, confidence, and the fostering of social participation locally. This creates stronger individuals, whānau, and wider communities.

The facility offers a range of spaces including consult rooms, breakout areas, hireable meeting rooms, a large hall, and a community kitchen, all designed for flexible use. The building responds to its corner site, marking a destination and focal point within the community. Activated outdoor spaces provide a half-court basketball court for the thriving community centre team and a terraced reserve where whānau can gather for events and tamariki can play under supervision.

The interior spatial layout accommodates larger group activities alongside private and semi-private spaces where people can gather and connect, while feeling safe and invited, especially those seeking support .This facility is an important asset for the Merivale community and has been designed to welcome all, assisting young and old to “live their best lives” according to their goals and values.