For our youth

Construction has started on Christchurch’s new youth hub in the central city.

Unique to New Zealand, it will provide young people with mental health needs and services, including supported housing.

The Youth Hub Trust is raising an additional $15 million, to build a second supported housing wing for young people, a community centre with places for recreation and creativity, and rooftop vegetable gardens.

The Government-funded Stage One of the project, a supported housing wing and office block for youth organisations (who will be housed on-site) has been financed through the Covid-19 shovel-ready fund.

Naylor Love is the main building contractor and Anglican Care gifted use of the central city site at 109 Salisbury Street.

Site clearing works began in August 2022 and Stage One is scheduled for opening by mid-2024. The facility is expected to be completed in 2027.

Trust chair Dame Sue Bagshaw says, “Youth Hub Christchurch aims to be a turning point in the lives of our city’s young people aged 10-25.

“We could not be more excited, proud and grateful to have ‘boots on the ground’ and diggers at work after 10 long years of planning, persistence and fundraising.”
She says what sets the Youth Hub apart is its supported housing facilities.

“These will be able to accommodate 40 young people for anywhere from three to 18 months, during which time they’ll be assisted with their health, employment, catch-up education and given the vital support they need to transition into independent living.”