Construction of a purpose-built community building is underway in Katikati.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is turning the partially vacant land at 33 Middlebrook Drive into a shared community space.

Once completed, the modern facilities will be home to the Katikati MenzShed, Katikati Community Patrol and Katikati Community Van.

The trio were selected by Council to occupy the new space, following expressions of interest in 2021.

Council's Operations Manager Kerrie Little is excited to get the build underway and to give the community groups a new home.

'We've been working extensively with the groups to understand their requirements, and the final design is a collaboration of this fantastic kōrero.

'We're looking forward to developing this land into a great asset and creating lasting benefits to the wider Katikati community,” says Kerrie.

The building will be owned by Council and leased by the community groups.

Council has owned the section since 2013, with New Zealand Red Cross currently occupying a portion of the section.

The project is being funded by insurance money from a shed that burned down at 26 Middlebrook Drive, plus a generous $100,000 grant from TECT.

Construction which started at the end of June, is expected to be finished by the end of September 2023, weather dependant.