The long wait for Chichester Cottage is almost over. It’s the cute little black and white building on Te Ara Manawa (our coastal walkway) tucked under trees close to Bear Park daycare centre at the northern end of Buckley Avenue.
It was litte more than a ramshackle old shed a few years ago, but has been restored by HLC – now part of Kainga Ora – which is kindly gifting it to the Hobsonville Point Residents Society for use as a community venue.
HPRS will have ownership of the building next month and can then install necessary extras like heat pump and window coverings, buy suitable furniture, equip the kitchen, set up a booking system etc.
Local residents have volunteered their time to set up and manage the cottage. Thanks to everyone involved, past and present!
The cottage has one meeting room, a kitchen, and large toilet with baby changing table. Maximum seated capacity is only about 20, so it’s best suited for smallish meetings, play groups, music lessons, hobby groups, workshops and social get-togethers. More info over terms of use will be coming your way.
Meanwhile, our official Chichester Cottage opening is something to get excited about. Mark the late afternoon from 4pm of Sunday March 1 on your calendar for a 1930s themed (yes get dressed to suit) as HPRS is planning an outdoor high tea with live Jazz music on the shady lawns around Chichester. The cottage will be officially open that day for you to view ‘our place’. We’ll let you know more about that opening event – and the cottage – soon.
For more about why it’s named after Sir Francis Chichester, head to
https://www.hprs.co.nz/your-community/chichester-cottage/
