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An extension and upgrade of the Lee St facility was recently completed, and about 60 people attended the official reopening ceremony yesterday, which happened to coincide with the facility’s 21st birthday.
So those attending were treated to a first-hand look at the improved building as well as a slice of birthday cake.
Night Shelter manager David McKenzie said construction on the ground floor extension, led by Stewart Construction Ltd and involving many local contractors, began in April 2024.
It was designed by Gary Todd Architecture and was originally priced at $584,000.
However, Stewart Construction Ltd managing director David Grant and local businessman and Mosgiel Taieri Community Board chairman Andrew Simms worked together to deliver the build at cost.
After they reached out to builders and building suppliers, about a dozen provided materials and services for free or discounted, which reduced the cost of the project by about $150,000.
The costs were covered by a range of local funding organisations, trusts and public donations.
Mr McKenzie said the redeveloped shelter included an accessible bedroom and bathroom, increased living and dining spaces, a larger and improved kitchen, a professional office space, the installation of a fire sprinkler system and storage for donations.
"We’ve got more living space, but the number of beds is still the same.
"We’ve got a bigger kitchen and more space for preparing food and sitting down to eat.
"In the evenings, it makes it much easier for people to be there, rather than being on top of each other."
While the extension work was going on, the night shelter had been operating at reduced capacity from a space at the back of the facility.
So, it was great to be able to return to the main building, he said.
"We’re rapt to see it finally finished and reopening.
"Almost every day, we have a comment from our guests about how much they appreciate it."
