Martinborough Community Centre Project
Supporter Profile: Mary Smith.
Restoration and extension of the historic Martinborough Town Hall into a multi-purpose community hub has been approved in principle, subject to detailed cost estimates and sufficient community fundraising.
The proposal to strengthen the earthquake-prone building and extend it to house community services and activities including a library and a toy library was approved by South Wairarapa District Council last week following consultation on its annual plan.
The council agreed to a staged approach to the project, initially committing up to $325,000 to develop a detailed design and quantity surveyor’s costing. This work would be complete by December when the council would decide whether to proceed to the next stage.
If the detailed building costs were in line with current high-level cost estimates, the project would apply for grant funding from a range of charitable trusts, which if successful, would see the project commence in earnest.
“Overall, public feedback received through submissions and public meetings was strongly supportive of the project,” South Wairarapa Mayor Adrienne Staples said. “The efforts of the community through the Martinborough Town Hall Working Group have also been extremely encouraging with a public fundraising campaign already attracting almost $1 million in signed pledges.
“Based on this support, extensive work done by the Martinborough community already, and a council funding plan that has minimal impact on rates, it’s time to move this project forward.”
Mrs Staples said the rates impact would be limited to the cost of servicing a $900,000 loan to cover the cost of strengthening the building. The council plans to contribute another $2.3 million to the building project through land sales and capitalisation of existing budget items into a loan, rather than funding it through rates.
“This is essentially swapping some of Martinborough’s existing assets for an exciting new asset which will serve the community well into the future,” Mrs Staples said.
The balance of the building project, currently estimated to cost $5.2 million, would come from grants and public fundraising.
The Martinborough Town Hall is a heritage building built in 1912 and made of unreinforced masonry. Falling well below current safety standards, it has been identified as an earthquake prone building under the current Building Act.
The proposed Martinborough Town Hall development would see the building strengthened, refurbished and extended to become a multi-purpose community hub, accommodating a range of community services.
These include the Martinborough Library which is currently in temporary premises, a toy library, and a range of other possibilities.
The high-level cost estimate for the town hall building project is $5.2 million. SWDC would fund $3.2 million of this through a $900,000 loan for the strengthening work, land sales and capitalisation of existing rental income. The remaining $2 million for the building would be raised through community grants and fundraising.
Streetscape and playground work is expected to cost an additional $1 million which would also come from community fundraising.
The Martinborough Town Hall Working Group was set up to develop plans for the refurbishment of the hall and raise funds from the community and funding organisations for this purpose.
Supporter Profile: Mary Smith
Mary Smith’s family arrived here in 1865 and still farm at Waihenga. Mary has been very involved with the Town Hall as a founding member of MADCAPS, a member of the refurbishment committee, and the subsequent Town Hall Working Group. We talked to Mary recently about the town and the new project.
Our little town, originally a rural settlement, has adapted itself over the years and become a “destination village” for wine lovers and those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. It’s full of talented people who draw the community together to support many clubs and projects. It is also a very caring community where we come together to support each other in groups such as the Friendship Club, Lions, Rural Women etc. These are the things that make Martinborough such a special place.
I support the Community Centre initiative because, love it or hate it, the Town Hall is an iconic historical building and has been the centre of many celebrations. It has marvellous acoustics, ensuring some memorable musical events. I would love to see it merge with our Square and become a focal point for families and visitors to the town.
Best advice I have ever received…treasure the past but look to the future.
One thing people don’t know about me? I was born in Martinborough and have lived here most of my life so I doubt I have any secrets!
Thank you to our generous supporters
Ata Rangi, David and Winifred Bull, Tom and Di Bunny, Jim Clark and Michael Honey, Paul and Rosie Collins, Cotter and Stevens Ltd, John and Trish Donald, Roger Gaskill and Julie-Claire Baxter, Peter and Ruth Graham, Catherine and Marco de Groot, Ro and Lyle Griffiths, Gerald Hensley, Michael Lamont and Bev O’Keefe, Robin Lockie, Tim and Lesley Lusk, John and Di Martin, Tim Martin and Victoria Read, The Martinborough Star, Martinborough Community Board, MTH Centenary Ball Committee, Helen and John Meehan, Murdoch James, Pain Estate, Pain and Kershaw Ltd, Patuna Farm, Poppies Martinborough, Richard Riddiford, Mary Smith and Family, Max and Liz Stevens Family, Graeme Thompson and Chris Cassels, Thunderpants Ltd, The Tora Coastal Walk, Gary Wall, Felicity and Arthur Warren, Weatherstone Family Rotopai Farms, Pam and Garry Wells, Wood Family Paharakeke.
What’s Next
We have a lot going on behind the scenes including the development of a detailed design brief, consultation with our operational partners and development of the fundraising strategy. We will keep you up to date with progress in the Star and on our Facebook page.
Contacts
Funding and general enquiries?
Max Stevens 3069095 or Victoria Read 3068570
Follow us on Facebook:
facebook.com/MartinboroughCommunityCentre
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