The Petone Neighbourhood Hub is on the move, with Hutt City Council securing a new temporary location to ensure vital community services can continue uninterrupted. The hub will relocate to 284 Jackson Street, on the corner of Jackson and Queen Streets, and is expected to open to the public in early June.
The move comes as the hub's long-time home on Britannia Street is set to close permanently by the end of May due to significant and worsening building issues. The new site, located just 300 metres away in the heart of Petone's bustling town centre, will provide interim library, postal, and digital access services while the council determines the long-term future of the original building.
Council Chief Executive Jo Miller says that while the closure was not a decision anyone wanted to make, finding a new site was a top priority to ensure Petone residents were not left without the services they rely on.
Deteriorating building forces closure
The Britannia Street building has been plagued by major defects for several years, including serious weathertightness failures that have led to widespread mould. The structural integrity of the building has also been compromised, with issues including decaying timber columns and corrosion in the atrium.
These problems had already forced the closure of around 40 per cent of the facility. While temporary safety measures were put in place to allow the hub to remain partially open, the council acknowledged these were not a long-term solution and did not address the underlying health and safety risks to staff and the public.
In February, the council decided to halt a planned repair project, which had a capped budget of $5 million. This decision was made after it became clear the allocated funds would be insufficient to cover all the necessary renewals for a sustainable, fit-for-purpose building. The council is now reconsidering the entire project as part of the next Long-Term Plan.
With the building originally scheduled to close in May for the now-paused repairs, the council has proceeded with that timeline for the final closure, citing the ongoing and increasing health and safety risks. Staff are being supported through the transition, with exact staffing plans for the new site being developed alongside the new service offerings.
Council balances community needs and budget pressures
The situation highlights the significant financial pressures facing the council as it works to maintain aging infrastructure while keeping budgets in check. The $5 million originally allocated for the hub repairs was part of a larger, financially constrained package of Petone-based projects, which also included investment in the Petone Wharf and upgrades at the Petone Grandstand.
Mayor Ken Laban says the interim solution for the hub is a financially responsible way to maintain a crucial community service during a challenging period for the council. The council's strategic report, 'Adjusting Our Sails', outlines a new operating model designed to navigate the unprecedented changes and financial challenges facing local government across New Zealand.
The Hub has been the heartbeat of Petone for a long time and is as much a meeting place as it is a library or service centre. I’m pleased we’ve found a financially responsible way to keep that heartbeat going.
While the new Jackson Street location is smaller, the council is focused on configuring the space to deliver the core services the community depends on. This includes access to library collections, NZ Post services, and public computers and internet, ensuring a continued council presence in one of Lower Hutt's most historic and populous suburbs. Petone is home to over 8,000 residents and its main street is a popular destination for shopping and dining, including several establishments noted in guides to the region. In other cities, like San Francisco, similar initiatives are underway, where a $25 million fund aims to boost downtown small businesses.
Future of Britannia Street site under review
With services secured at the Jackson Street location for the interim, a final decision on the long-term future of the Britannia Street site will now be part of broader community consultation for the 2027-2037 Long-Term Plan.
This process will allow the council to fully assess all options for the site, from full remediation to a complete rebuild or divestment, and give the community a chance to have their say on the future of a key public asset. This long-term planning approach is essential for major council projects, such as the recently opened Eastbourne shared path and seawall.
For now, the focus remains on a smooth transition to the new temporary hub. The council has committed to keeping the community updated on the final layout and full range of services to be offered at the new location as the early June opening date approaches. Further information on council services and plans can be found on the official Department of Internal Affairs website on Local Government in New Zealand. Meanwhile, other community-focused initiatives continue across the wider region, such as a new Gin Trail in Wellington designed to support local businesses.
The council will confirm the final service offering for the Jackson Street location once the layout and setup are complete, ensuring the 'heartbeat' of Petone continues beating while long-term plans are made.
