Funds to buy community hub fall short
"We tried, but could not get over the last hurdle."
That was the message from a trio of grassroots organisations that have been trying to raise the funds to buy the former Baptist Church at 270 North Rd — a community hub at present.
The sold signs went up last Thursday on the former church site and the house behind it, at 6 Calder St.
Harcourts International real estate agent Jim Packer confirmed the sale, and said settlement would be in December. He was unable to elaborate on the buyer, or the price.
The site had been listed on the market by Auckland-based Baptist Churches of New Zealand for $820,000.
Mr Packer said the other neighbouring house, at 268 North Rd, remained on the market.
Since the three properties were put up for sale in May, local community organisations the Valley Baptist Community Trust, The Valley Project and Valley Community Workspace had been trying to raise the funds to buy it.
In a statement, The Valley Project executive chairman James Sutherland said their bid had been unsuccessful.
"Unfortunately, the new owner of the community centre is not going to be the community," the statement said.
"We will still be in the centre till the end of the year and will work with the new owner to explore options of keeping the centre if that is what they intend, while working on a Plan B in case we have to vacate the building.
"We are sorry we were unable to get this across the line, but we want to thank all of the community who donated and connected us with others in the community," Mr Sutherland said.
The community hub, which now occupies the space, is accessed by about 60 local, grassroots organisations, including early childhood education, dance and karate lessons, a playgroup and community events.
The boards of The Valley Project, Valley Community Workspace and North East Valley Baptist Community Trust will continue to explore options for community facilities.
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