The Cambridge Menzshed is full steam ahead transforming the historic Leamington
Dairy Service Factory into a welcoming community space.
The community group has been hard at work tidying up the Carlyle Street building
since securing the lease in May.
The Waipā District Council-owned building requires nearly $40,000 in repairs to bring
it back to a basic standard. Council will provide $23,000 for preventative
maintenance and the Menzshed is fundraising the remainder.
Mayor Susan O’Regan said the Menzshed group have big aspirations for the space
and have made significant progress in their mission to make the building their home
base.
“Multiple community groups and individuals have come to the party to help them with
paint supplies, window repairs and fencing. It is awesome to see Cambridge backing
them and coming to help where they can.
“It’s a win for everyone, the community will benefit from the awesome mahi the
Menzshed will be able to do with a permanent base, and the upgrade to the building
will save ratepayers money by reducing the long-term maintenance costs.”
Over the past four months, Menzshed members have cleared and levelled the site,
removed all the rubbish from the interior, water-blasted, and laid a new concrete
floor. Cladding repairs are now underway.
“The group have put a lot of hours and elbow grease in. I am confident that when
they are finished, the building that was once an eyesore will be something the whole
community is proud of,” said O’Regan.
A new fence, roof repairs and the installation of new roller doors are still to be
completed.
“They are not short of ideas and motivation, I am excited to see what comes of the
space and I am sure the community are too.”
Menzshed is a charitable group that brings local men together to share their skills,
support each other, and work on practical tasks for the community.
