Council to consult on project funding.

South Wairarapa District Council recently discussed the funding structure for the Martinborough Community Centre project at its August meeting. The Council is looking to fund a $3.2 million contribution to the town hall refurbishment and proposed new extension, which will incorporate the important community services such as a Library, Plunket rooms and the Destination Wairarapa i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.

The majority of Council funds for the new development will come from land sales and capitalisation of existing rental income within the Martinborough Ward. At Wednesday’s meeting the Council proposed that the remaining $1 million required to bring the project to completion be funded by a small, targeted rate, after a period of consultation with Martinborough ratepayers. This will ensure the delivery of the project within the projected budget and timeframes. The project is planned for completion in mid 2017.

We are keen to see the project progress and a targeted rate will have a minimal impact on individual rates bills whilst ensuring that only those ratepayers who are likely to see the biggest benefit of the new Community Hub will be asked to contribute. The Council will seek community support for the targeted rate during a special consultative period to assure itself that it has the support from affected ratepayers.

The Martinborough Community Centre Steering Group believe support for the project is strong and the community is willing to step up to support what will be Martinborough’s biggest community development project to date. So far the project has raised $1.4m from private pledges and events. The group have also applied for and received grants from the Trust House Foundation ($150,000), Eastern and Central Communities Trust ($200,000) and the Lotteries Commission – who came to the table recently with a $475,000 grant.

Our fundraising efforts are continuing and there are still external grant applications to be completed. Providing the community supports a small contribution to the project via their rates we will have the sign off to start the design process in earnest. We would urge all Martinborough ward ratepayers to have their say and take part in the consultation process.

Waihinga Centre Communications Team.

SUPPORTER PROFILE

Felicity and Arthur Warren

Felicity came to live at Arthur’s family property, Ruawaka, 24 years ago. She immediately felt at home – it was so like mid-Canterbury where she grew up.

Felicity not only masterminded the now legendary Cockies in Frockies fundraiser for Tuturumuri School she’s been an energetic and creative contributor to many other community initiatives. Arthur, as the other half of this dynamic duo, helps turn what Felicity describes as her “mad ideas” into reality.

She has been connected with the Town Hall project since the design stage. She loves the idea of the energy created by having lots of people coming together every day to use the centre. The planned playground is also very important. “If done right, it could make Martinborough a family destination not just one for couples or groups and there’d be lots of spinoffs for small businesses such as the fish and chip shops who cater to them. “

Thank you to our generous supporters
No Change to last month.
Plus we have a number of anonymous supporters – so thanks to them too!

Want to know more?
Website: waihingacentre.nz
Facebook: Martinborough Community Centre
e-mail: info@waihingacentre.nz
Newsletter: E-mail us if you would like to receive e-mail updates on the progress of this project.

Sponsor – as last month but depending on the column layout I’m happy for you to shrink it to 1/3 page width instead of ½.
Thank you to the Martinborough Star and Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park for sponsoring this page.