Lake Tekapo families had been using the old Guild Hall for a number of years as a casual drop-in playgroup for young families. When South Canterbury Kindergarten Association showed interest in operating a purpose built facility to cater for the Lake Tekapo community, it was an opportunity that the local families thought would be beneficial to the area.

Lake Tekapo Bright Stars Community Trust then set about fundraising and investing in upgrading the existing Guild Hall. The upgraded building needed to meet Ministry of Education (MOE) and council Resource and Building Consent requirements but the footprint of the building was to remain the same. The existing open floor area could cater for up to 20 children but the challenge was in getting all the associated required support areas of the building within the existing service area of the old hall.  Disability access, fire, MOE and Health Officer requirements, plus meeting the building code meant co-ordination between all parties. Noise control, car parking for the families during peak drop off and pick up times and site vision for the children outside also required early consideration in the design.

The end result is a great community asset that will be used by local families for many years to come.