Cerberus Ward councillor Reade Smith said the committee had accepted the shire's offer to ensure a successful relocation and for a bright new future.

Child, youth and family manager Robin Adams said the shire welcomed the decision.

One of the main concerns about the move was the lack of public transport, but Cr Smith said a community bus would run along High Street.

He said funding had also had been gained for a community transport officer to develop strategies and plans to improve public transport.

"We are going to promote the community bus to the community, with the health centre as a major destination, as well as the library, Pelican Pantry and the community hub [Hastings Hub]."

Cr Smith said it appeared many residents were still unaware of the community dial-a-bus service.

As reported in The Independent last week, the community house chairman and co-ordinator met councillors on Monday.

"They are seeking council assistance with a number of things relating to the move, such as signage, furniture and transport, which we are happy to accommodate," Cr Smith said.

House co-ordinator Lisa Glover said kitchen facilities were a sticking point.

"There is a commercial kitchen on the premises that will be available for hire by any interested community group.

"We need full-time access to the kitchen amenities.

"By moving to the new premises we will have lost our own kitchen facilities that are well used here. I don't think we should have to book or 'lease' the kitchen from PCHS and it should be freely available to us at any time," she said.

Cr Smith said he and other councillors were excited about the opportunity to expand the services of the community house - especially to the young residents of Hastings - and the move would help the community house to regain funding and training courses for the Hastings area.