A refresh for the 24-year-old Lake Wanake Centre is on its way - but it’s unlikely to improve disability access to the building’s second floor, a point of growing frustration for some local community groups.

Out & About chair Ollie Harcus told the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) at its May 8 meeting the centre should be more of a “community-focused venue”.

He said accessibility limitations curtailed the organisation’s ability to make the most of the space during the 2024 Wānaka Pride Week, citing the lack of a disabled bathroom and stairlift.

Read more: Refresh sought for ‘tired’ Lake Wānaka Centre

This week QLDC said it had booked a contractor for a refurbishment of the centre as part of its regular Asset Management Plan cycle.

“This predominantly involves painting, electrical and flooring trades and is expected to be completed by early August,” a council staffer said. 

“The repainting will extend from the lobby/foyer area through to the main auditorium and stage areas … incorporating a more modern colour palette. The refurbishment works for flooring [are] mainly contained within the auditorium and stage areas.”

While the spokesperson said QLDC was “investigating the options” for a disabled toilet on the first floor, she said the structure and age of the Lake Wānaka Centre building “complicates the ability to provide accessible access to the mezzanine floor”. 

“The capability of constructing a lift well, lift shaft and associated plant is a considerable investment and undertaking.” 

Ollie had also told the WUCCB he believed it was time to update the foyer, which features photos of notable locals as well as a range of hunting trophies, saying it could be made “a little more diverse and meet our community’s needs”.

Apart from plans for a new colour palette, QLDC said its staff were in contact with the owners of the hunting trophies on display “about removing these and returning them to family guardianship”.

A QLDC spokesperson said there were “no plans to remove” the portraits, which he said “attract many positive comments and memories”.

The WUCCB will discuss plans for the centre’s refurbishment at a workshop tomorrow (Tuesday May 20).

PHOTO: Wānaka App