Media Release 08/02/05

One-stop-shop for community services in Shirley

From Monday 21 February, Shirley residents will be able to call on several key community agencies in one stop, as Acheson Avenue Community Services centre opens its doors for the first time.

The new centre brings together the work of Housing New Zealand, Canterbury Police, the District Truancy Service and Christchurch City Council’s Community Development and Recreation Advisers under one roof. It will give local residents access to information, advice and support, when they need it, right in the heart of the neighbourhood.

The project is part of a wider process underway to revitalise the area. The Acheson Avenue Urban Renewal Project gives local residents the chance to determine what’s needed in the community, now and in the future. The Community Services centre breathes life back into one of Acheson Avenue’s many empty shop units, and follows the opening of the new Neighbourhood Centre and the development of a number of new initiatives for children, youth and adults. Plans are underway for the upgrade of nearby McFarlane Park and further expansion of the area’s recreation and leisure opportunities.

The new centre will be officially opened on Saturday 19 February, beginning with a dawn blessing at 5am by Henare Edwards, Chairperson of Te Runanga O Nga Maata Waka, to be followed by breakfast. The opening itself is at 8am, led by Hon Tim Barnett MP.

Acheson Avenue Community Services centre is located at 25 Acheson Avenue, Shirley, and will be open to residents from Monday 21 February.

ENDS

Background

The centre is a joint initiative between Housing New Zealand Corporation, Canterbury Police, Christchurch North East District Truancy Service and Christchurch City Council.

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