The Rothesay Hive, a well-loved community program, is preparing to move to a larger space at the Rothesay Arena.

The Hive is an intergenerational center that brings youth, seniors, and all ages together through programs and activities. It will relocate once renovations transform the facility into a modern community space.

Diane O’Connor, chair of the Age-Friendly Advisory Committee, said she expects renovations at the arena to begin this summer.

The timeline for the move depends on when the work is completed, but she hopes it will happen by the end of the year.

O’Connor explained that the Hive began six years ago at the town hall, which has been a supportive home ever since.

“As wonderful as it’s been, we’re going to be sad to leave them when we go across the street, but we know that they’ll be able to come and join us for lots of things as well,” she said.

“It’s the opportunity to grow and to have a bigger space to offer more for people, and that’s been our whole idea.”

The Hive offers a variety of programs for the community, from gardening and walking clubs to line dancing and board games.

O’Connor also highlighted that the Hive’s current location has limited capacity for new members and activities, making the expanded space at the arena needed for its future.

“We’re hoping with the new space, we can accommodate 30 people for an exercise program. We don’t want to make the program huge, but 15 is quite small, and we want to make it a little bigger so that more people can take part,” O’Connor said.

The move will allow the Hive to grow its exercise programs, while also exploring new offerings, such as larger community events and expanded intergenerational activities.

O’Connor emphasized the Hive’s commitment to fostering intergenerational relationships, noting that they have been developing partnerships with local schools.

She explained that the Hive was designed from the start to connect people across generations, adding that both youth and seniors are eager to learn from one another.

“When seniors and youth work together on projects like gardening or art, you see those initial hesitations disappear,” O’Connor said.

“They start talking and learning from one another, and it’s really special to watch.”

Renovations to the Rothesay Arena are being supported by $7 million in federal funding, with strong backing from local leaders, including Mayor Nancy Grant.

“Mayor Grant has been a wonderful supporter of the Hive and the new facility, and such a great cheerleader for the programs and initiatives that bring our community together,” O’Connor said.

The Hive’s move to the renovated Rothesay Arena marks an exciting new chapter, promising more space, more programs, and new opportunities for residents across generations.

“So we want to spread it from the rooftops that this is going to happen, we want people on board, we want the support of the community, and I think we have it for sure,” she said.