Like pieces of a complicated puzzle, Stoke’s Greenmeadows Centre is starting to come together.
Although there’s no official opening date, the centre’s café tenant Lynley Gilchrist-Lunn is starting to envisage the finish line.
The project has been plagued with delays after multiple faults in its construction were found, requiring months of repair work.
The building has been progressively opened since late last year and Lynley was able to start operating her business, The Garden Window Café, at the end of January. They are joined by Stoke Tennis, who took occupation of their area in December, followed by Nelson Cricket last month.
Stoke Rugby will be able to occupy their area in time for pre-training at the end of February with their changing rooms already open for use. Stoke Seniors can move in when the whole building obtains certification.
“It’s very exciting to finally be here,” says Lynley. “It’s looking promising now and it will be great to work with all the groups and make Stoke more cohesive.
“It’s been a long journey, but we’re nearly over the line.”
She says the café has been humming so far.
“It’s going really well. People have been supportive and we’re starting to hit our stride.”
As reported by Alec Louverdis, Nelson City Council’s group manager infrastructure, other elements completed so far include the cedar cladding panelling, windows, stormwater slot drains, exterior veneer blockwork and internal floor polishing.
All internal work to the club rooms is complete, along with deck verandas and balustrades, office spaces, toilets, reception area, store rooms, lighting/alarms/CCTV, planting and mechanical works.
Work on the roof and main hall is still ongoing.
Alec confirmed that contractor Watts and Hughs have continued to resource the project with qualified labour, with “quality still being the main focus”.
The Garden Window Cafe is open Tuesday to Sunday 7:30am – 4pm, and while Lynley says they don’t have a blueprint for how things will go, there are plenty of opportunities ahead.
“We are open to suggestions if people have some good ideas.”
