Following Hamilton City Council’s agreement to transfer ownership of the Settlement Centre Waikato (SCW) to HMS Trust, and extend the land lease, HMS Trust – guardians of the SCW since 2005, is delighted the much-needed redevelopment will proceed. A goal of HMS Trust since 2012, the redevelopment of the Settlement Centre Waikato will create a fit-for-purpose, welcoming and modern environment to support ethnic and migrant communities settle successfully.

 

Over the previous eight years, the Trust consulted with Hamilton City Council, other key stakeholders, and the community on a number of options. The project transitioned from a hub concept in collaboration with community organisations, moving premises, a community facility in Fairfield, and a footprint expansion which would approximately double the current facility size. In November of 2020, the Trust secured a significant grant from Trust Waikato to add to their own reserves. With this in place and positive conversations with other funders, the Trustees decided to progress with the project, and appointed Peddle Thorp as both Lead Architect and Project Manager.

 

Following a robust tender process, Construct Limited was selected as the contractor for the project and building works are expected to commence mid-May 2023, with an anticipated opening in May 2024. The SCW will remain open and continue to operate during the redevelopment with minimum disruption to the services.

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Realising the Trust’s long-term goal in the coming 12 months will be an exciting time. For the Trust itself, the ethnic and migrant communities it serves, and sector agencies, all who will have a Turangawaewae in the City of Kirikiriroa, Hamilton to be proud of.