The Roskill Youth Zone (RYZ), a dedicated space for the young people of Wesley, was officially opened by the Mayor and Prime Minister this afternoon.
The new $3m facility, designed with input from local youth, offers study rooms, kitchen facilities, basketball and recreation spaces, as well as music practice and performance rooms.
Len Brown said at the plaque-unveiling ceremony, “there is a huge amount of talent and potential among Auckland’s young people and it is important we support that. This new centre provides a fantastic opportunity for Wesley youth to explore their abilities and follow their dreams.
“The community, former Councillors, community board and now local board members have all worked tirelessly to get this project off the ground and it is to their credit that we are here today,” he says.
Work officially began on the then-named Wesley Youth Space in May 2008, after the former Auckland City Council had commissioned a 2006 study into how the needs of youth could be best met within the Wesley area.
Puketapapa Local Board Youth Spokesperson Nigel Turnbull says, “the Roskill Youth Zone will give our young people a home away from home where they can be creative and energetic in a warm, inviting and supportive environment.
“After years of hard work by former councillors and dedicated members of the community, the baton can now be handed to the local board, community representatives and RYZ management so we can focus on meeting the objectives we set out to achieve.”
The new building has been designed to reduce energy consumption through natural lighting, extensive insulation, timed heating and wind-powered fans. The space will be used after school, on weekends, during school holidays and on occasions for evening performances.
“This new building is a safe and engaging space for the young people of this community to study, have fun and express themselves. I look forward to returning when the activities and events have kicked off,” says the Mayor.
RYZ is located behind the Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Road Extension, at the northern entrance to the Mt Roskill War Memorial Park.
Following this afternoon’s official opening, an open day is being held tomorrow from noon providing the Wesley community with its first opportunity to explore the new facilities.
