A long-discussed idea for a community hub in Albert Town may finally have a pathway forward, after receiving an encouraging early response from the Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) last week.

Albert Town Community Association (ATCA) chair Lucy Mitchell pitched the idea at last week’s WUCCB meeting, describing a multifunctional space for “learning, gathering, working and celebrating”.

She said the project aligned well with the Wānaka Asset Sales Reserve (WASR) - a multi-million-dollar financial reserve set aside for legacy projects with lasting community benefits.

“It’s exactly what we’re after,” WUCCB chair Simon Telfer told Lucy.

The WASR is expected to receive a major boost from the sale of council-owned land at Scurr Heights. 

In May, the board called for bold proposals that could deliver enduring community value, after refining the reserve’s criteria to give board members greater input on how it is spent.

“We put a call out for big, bold ideas and you hit the nail on the head,” Simon said.

Lucy’s proposal outlined potential sites, revenue opportunities, the target users, and funding pathways. 

The ATCA has sought support for a hub for years but struggled to make headway with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) due to funding constraints.

The WASR, Lucy said, was a good reason to “re-table” the idea. 

She told the Wānaka App she believed the board had responded positively and they had connected her with a QLDC staff member to examine the proposal in more detail.

Former ATCA chair Heather Thorne, who pushed the concept during her tenure, said she was excited to see a potential funding pathway emerging.

Albert Town is the only settlement in the Upper Clutha without its own community hub.

PHOTO: Wānaka App