5 April 2011

Pact’s 420 Centre has a stunning new Dunedin premises to call home.

Work is underway putting the finishing touches on the new Dowling Street building and staff and patrons hope to be in by Easter. 420 supports people recovering from mental illness in a variety of daytime activities.

The premises consist of one enormous space with a kitchen, as well as smaller rooms for things like artwork, computing and meetings.

Pact client programmes and service development manager Glenn Murtagh says the old 420 needed a facelift and Pact did not feel the desired standard could be achieved in the existing building. So when the Malcam Trust – which is in the downstairs part of the new building – said it had no use for the upstairs, Glenn said Pact could see the potential for 420.

Glenn says 420 patrons have been very positive about the new space. 420 support worker Michael Gallagher says the 30 or so patrons who have been through so far have been glowing in their praise of the new building.

"It’s made a great impression on people when they’ve come through and had a look."

Glenn describes it as an uplifting place with great natural light from skylights and windows.

"Even on a dull old day it’s quite bright in here."

One potential benefit from the new premises is that it provides an opportunity for clients to earn some money by utilising the premises in the evenings.

"We wondered what could do with the space after hours when there’s no-one here. So we’re looking at developing it into a bit of a function centre and seeing if 420 patrons want to cater for it. So those who want to can do some food handling certificates, catering, barista qualifications and all that sort of stuff."

Glenn says such training would not only be of benefit at 420 but could arm people with qualifications for the workforce.

Pact has the use of the old Stafford Street building until the end of April. Once the new building is operating there will be an official opening.