Multicultural Centre proposal

We’re proposing to lease a city centre facility to provide a dedicated space for multicultural communities.

With more than 130 ethnicities in our city, and Palmy being one of the 13 locations for refugee resettlement, we need space for these communities to gather for events and activities, and space for the delivery of services to meet their needs.

Currently, multicultural community groups are trying to use locations around the city for events, but there aren’t enough facilities of the right size.

The Manawatū Multicultural Centre in Hancock Community House is also no longer fit for purpose for the types of activities and services they deliver. We’re proposing leasing a facility in the city centre, and we expect we will need to do a complete refurbishment of the space to ensure it is fit for purpose. We have some external funding available that may be able to help contribute to this fit out.

We’re proposing to do this in Year 1. A city centre location would help support local businesses and add to the vibrancy of our city centre. We believe the lease for a facility could be up to $100,000 per year and it’s likely we will need to spend $750,000 on making it fit for purpose.

The Manawatū Multicultural Council would pay a lease for the new facility to help cover the costs, and it would also be available for bookings for multicultural events and activities.

Check out the options