The transformation of Takapuna’s old RSA building into a new youth innovation hub called Shore Junction is now underway thanks to funding from Foundation North and Lotteries, and several local businesses and philanthropists.

“Earlier this year, we received a significant grant from Foundation North and Lotteries which all but confirmed this project as a going ahead,” says YES chief executive Sonia Thursby.  “Since then, we’ve worked closely with several local businesses and philanthropists to close out the final sum required to move the project across the finish line and into construction, which is now underway.”

When Shore Junction opens, it will become New Zealand’s first free-to-access youth innovation hub for youth across Auckland aged between 13 and 25.

​“It’s been designed as a space for young people to connect, belong, and grow,” says Thursby.​

“It will provide youth-friendly facilities and integrated services that support innovation, learning, well-being and creativity. With hub support, young people will lay the foundations for their future roles as entrepreneurs, business leaders, community champions and influencers.”

Shore Junction is located in the former North Shore RSA building on Mary Poynton Cresent in Takapuna. Construction is expected to be completed in late February 2020, with its doors opening shortly afterwards.

The journey to date:

• September 2016 - Devonport-Takapuna Local Board awarded the building’s lease to the Yes organisation – a non-profit youth group – and provided a $123,000 grant to enable the building’s interior to be demolished and new wiring, insulation and walls to be installed.
• November 2016 - A steering committee was formed and the Yes team worked with YOUNITE (Devonport-Takapuna Youth Board) on the building’s makeover, programme offerings and technology requirements.
• January 2017 - the centre’s name was agreed, and the first draft design were received and reviewed.
• May 2017 - design plans were finalised and approved by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board for resource and building consent approval.
• May 2018 - focus groups were held at numerous North Shore schools and with key community youth providers. During Youth Week 2018, around 200 young people visited Shore Junction to share their ideas on development and programming.
• April 2019 – Foundation North approve significant funding for construction which can be drawn upon once the full and final funding goal is reached to enable construction work.
• September 2019 - final funding required for project to move into construction is confirmed and construction gets underway late in the same month.