Menzshed in Cambridge finally has a new home, but members are going to spend the first few months of their tenancy doing it up.
The 122-year-old Leamington Dairy Factory in Carlyle Street is a shadow of its former self with a leaking roof, rotten timber weatherboard cladding and broken windows.
Menzshed’s new home in Carlyle Street.
The tagging and graffiti have made the Category C Waipā-listed building “something of an eyesore”, Waipā District Council Property Projects specialist Andrew Don told the Finance and Corporate committee last week.
But that has not put the 27-strong Cambridge Menzshed members off their stride, secretary Myles Prebble told The News.
Myles Prebble
“I was a bit like a stunned mullet when they (councillors) made the decision.”
Now all he and the rest of the Menzshed needs in the short term is “a very good donor” so they can make a start on fixing the building up.
Having a home will make it easier to attract new members but Prebble is confident they already have the skill-set to do the work needed.
“The inside has been untended for years and it’s pretty grotty. There are a few boards that need replacing as well,” plus a lick of paint should do wonders, said Prebble.
A local contractor is currently leasing the building for three months, but the building is falling into disrepair. The heavy vehicles used by the contractor are causing high wear in Lamb Street at the building’s entrance.
A roundabout will be built at the intersection of Carlyle and Lamb streets which will require a small piece of land from the corner but that would not affect the property’s utilisation.
Councillors agreed Menzshed could enter into a community lease with the council for $430 per year and be responsible for ongoing maintenance.
Don said council had set aside $15,500 for preventative maintenance but nearly $40,000 was needed to fix it up. It is that balance the Menzshed would have to fund, he said.
Mike Montgomerie
Maungatautari councillor Mike Montgomerie said it was a great use of the building and supported the proposal.
Menzshed Cambridge held its inaugural annual meeting in November last year – following an article in The News which appealed for interest – is an incorporated society and has 27 signed up members with 46 other people wanting to get in.
“The concept of a Menzshed brings men together in one community space to share their skills, have a laugh, seek fellowship and work on practical tasks individually or as a group for the shed or the community,” Prebble said in his application to the council.
Some sheds have women members or have sessions catering for women who wish to get new skills.
“The Cambridge Community Menzshed is a community orientated group focussed on its members health and wellbeing and can only be an asset to our community,” said Prebble.
“We’re dependent on grants and donations for the work we have to complete on the building.”
See: Searching for a shed
Waipā District Council’s property projects specialist, Andrew Don and Cambridge Community Menzshed outside the historic Leamington Dairy Factory. Photo: Supplied.
