

Whitianga Community Services Trust Feasibility Study
Whitianga Community Services Trust

This independent feasibility study was to ascertain the need and viability of capital works to upgrade the Whitianga Community Services Trust (WCST) facilities in Whitianga. The Whitianga Community Services Trust is a well-established social service organisation operating in the Mercury Bay area, delivering a wide range of services to the community. It is considered as a leader providing a range of services across communities from Coromandel to Tairua, including Cooks Beach and Hahei. In 2021, The Trust engaged APR Consultants Ltd (APR) to undertake a feasibility study to assess the need for a building extension to the existing WCST One Stop Social Service Centre. This report was an update of the existing feasibility study report intended to provide information around the economical, strategic and legal scenarios around the proposed capital works. In 2017, APR Consultants Ltd. undertook a feasibility study to assess the need for an extension to the Community Rooms, in addition to the existing facilities which operate as a One Stop Social Service Centre. This independent feasibility study was a prerequisite for deciding whether to pursue a proposed development and to seek prospective funders and investors for the project. In addition, it provides clarity on potential ways to meet the existing community and organisational needs. This feasibility study embraced a holistic approach to define the scope and need of the proposed project objectively and rationally, focusing on the community and organisational needs. In this context, market, operational and financial viability of the proposed project were systematically reviewed and analysed. This study also considered whether the proposed capital project is the best way to meet needs; and assessed the required funding, risk management, and other aspects for implementing the proposed extension.