The application is for a land use consent for physical alterations/additions to an existing ‘clubroom’ community centre building, increasing building footprint by approx. 100m2

The increased floor area is to enable larger scale activities, reflective of the increased  demand for cultural/community services in Hamilton area over the last 20 years.

The Indian Community Centre and the Phoenix House Charitable Trust have played a critical role in creating a supportive environment that fosters the continuation of original cultural activities and encourages the sharing of cultural traditions with the wider community in Hamilton. Through the development of community support programs, personal social services, dissemination of information, and support to beneficiary organizations within the overall program, the centre aims to enhance and improve the social, educational, and cultural lifestyles of the minority ethnic groups.

The centre provides a vital space for ethnic communities to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage, language, and music through cultural and linguistic studies, music classes, and other related activities. The centre also provides support and facilities to local beneficiary organizations, such as the Senior Citizen Club, Hindu Council of New Zealand, Waikato Ethnic Council, Hamilton City Sai Centre, Tamil Society, Waikato Gujarati Sports and Social Club, NZ Sikh Society, Waikato Indian Cultural Society, Fiji Waikato Community, and Ramayan Sanstha, to help them offer a wide range of services to their respective communities.

The building remains within that envelope anticipated by the bulk and location provisions of the Open Space Zone, including setbacks. The relatively small building footprint over the wide site area will create minimal interruption of the existing open character of the site.

Proposed landscaping will enhance the visual amenity provided to the streetscape, visually mitigating perception of increased building bulk. Windows to the street and surrounding site ensure passive surveillance is maintained.