Exciting new project revealed in Martinborough

Concept plans for the proposed redevelopment of the Martinborough Town Hall and adjoining Community Centre were presented at a public meeting on Thursday April 3rd.

The Martinborough Town Hall Working Group and SWDC commissioned SGL Group and BGBB Team Architects to do a feasibility study and masterplanning. This included interviews with 80 locals representing 44 different groups, visiting 13 venues to assess how these worked for their communities and 8 workshops with interest groups to capture ideas. Design work followed and the concept drawings are in this STAR.

It is important to remember that the design is not set in concrete. It is still a concept. Drawings will not be finalised until feedback has been received from the public.

The key objective of the proposal is to reposition the Town Hall and Community Centre as the most valued and regularly used community facility for the greater Martinborough area. It is proposed that the Martinborough Library and I-site will be relocated to the Community Centre. Other occupants are likely to be Plunket and the Toy Library. There are vastly improved facilities for concerts and meetings.

Externally, the design provides for a unique destination playground and outdoor event space.
The SWDC is looking to fund those elements of the design which are their responsibility; earthquake strengthening of the Town Hall, the Library (a new site will be required when the current lease expires) and the relocation of the I-site. It is anticipated that this work will be done with no additional rates impact.

A portion of the project will be funded by philanthropic support. This means asking individuals, businesses, families and public funders to make Martinborough Town Hall and Community Centre a reality. There is already generous support from people and businesses that have made pledges. A list of these donors is published elsewhere in this STAR and we would like to take the opportunity to thank these people.

Local support is a critical part of demonstrating broad-based support to major funders. Other community generated fundraising will run in parallel as people begin to see that this proposal can only enrich the community. All donations will be gratefully received!

Council will be calling for submissions on the project proposal. The MTHWG will be working to obtain as many supportive submissions as we can during this process. The last day for submissions is Monday 19 May.
For further information:
See the plans at the SWDC Office or on the SWDC website
Facebook: Martinborough Town Hall and Community Centre Project
Help and queries about submissions? Contact Pam Colenso 3069503 or Mary Smith 3069594.
Funding and general enquiries: Max Stevens 3069095 or Vicky Read 3068570

We want to acknowledge our very generous donors who are helping make this vision a reality.
Tom & Di Bunny, Cotter & Stevens, Cath & Marco De Groot, Ro & Lyle Griffiths, Robin Lockie, John & Di Martin, Tim Martin & Victoria Read, The Martinborough Star, Helen & John Meehan, Pain & Kershaw, Patuna Farm, Richard Riddiford, Max & Liz Stevens Family, Graeme Thompson & Chris Cassels, Felicity & Arthur Warren, Pam & Gary Wells