Horseshoe Lakes Residents Withdraw Appeal re Kingslea

The Horseshoe Lake Residents’ Association has withdrawn its appeal to the Environment Court opposing the decision of the Minister of Social Services and Employment to designate the Kingslea site at Shirley for up to 20 care and protection children and young people.

The Association withdrew the appeal after discussions with Child, Youth and Family resolved concerns about the future use of the Kingslea site, Glenda Burt spokesperson for the Association said. “Our primary concern was to ensure Kingslea was to be used in future only for care and protection of young people and children.”

The Department has agreed to make a contribution to the Association’s legal costs related to the appeal, of $5000 plus gst.

The first stage of redeveloping the Kingslea site for providing care and protection for up to 10 children and young people will involve construction of a new residential block, upgrading some existing buildings and demolition of buildings no longer required. The two storey building near Horseshoe Lake Road, known as the staff flats, will be refurbished to provide accommodation for visiting families. Earlier plans to remove the first floor of this building were reconsidered following suggestions from the Community Liaison Committee.

“Involving the families with the rehabilitation of their children and young people in residence will be an important part of the programmes to be provided in the new residence,” CYF Manager of Residential Development, Alan Geraghty said. “Overall the new residence will be a significant improvement and enable staff to better provide for the needs of the children and young people in their care and protection.”

The new residence will be modelled on Lower Hutt’s Epuni Residential Centre completed in 2002. Redevelopment of the Kingslea residence is planned to commence mid 2004.

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