The South Wellington School will become a valuable community centre by 2023. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

community need

Old South Wellington School turning into much-needed community centre

Jun 24, 2021 | 11:34 AM

NANAIMO — Members of the South Wellington community will once again have a place to meet and socialize after going without a venue for nearly a decade.

The Regional District of Nanaimo and SD68 announced on Thursday, June 24 the long closed old South Wellington Elementary School will be converted into a community centre.

The over 9,000 sq. ft. school on Morden Rd. a block west of the Trans Canada Hwy. closed in 2013. $1.2 million in upgrades is expected to start in late 2022.

Jessica Stanley, co-chair of the South Wellington and Area Community Association, said she was “giddy” about re-purposing the old school

“Now we can create something that will really meet the community need,” she told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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“The loss of the school to this community was devastating,” Stanley continued. “This was our community hub. Since it’s been closed it’s been really hard for the community to remain connected and organize activities.”

Stanley said having a central space was critical for the community not just for formal events and sports, but also informal conversations and relationship building when parents dropped off their kids.

“It’s among those informal conversations and those opportunities where relationships are formed. We don’t have a space like that out here in Area A.”

Charlene McKay, board chair of SD68, said it’s positive news they can avoid demolishing the building.

“It fits in so well with our long-range facility plan, focused on community partnerships for land-use.”

It’s hoped the conversion will be complete in 2023. Operational costs will come from the RDN’, while the local community association will operate the centre.

The school district had earlier intended to demolish the building, which closed as part of a cost-saving move amid low enrolment at the school.

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spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt