A community trust in Carterton will donate $200,000 to help build the Carterton Events Centre, currently under construction in Holloway Street.
The Carterton and District Community Trust, established in 1984, will contribute some of the proceeds of the sale in 2004 of its Ron Wakelin buildings on the corner of Seddon and High Streets.
Two of the trust’s last remaining tenants, Plunket and the Toy Library, will be housed in the new facility. The trust will retain the balance of the funds to carry on its work. Originally these buildings were a maternity home and a nurse’s residence.
“We are delighted to be able to make such a donation to benefit the whole of the Carterton Community,” said Carterton and District Community Trust chairperson Elaine Brazendale.
“The Trust had supported the new centre concept from the beginning, having hosted discussions with various groups from the project’s outset,” Mrs Brazendale said. “After the building sale in 2004 when our remaining tenants were rehoused in interim accommodation, thought was given to how we could support similar community groups.”
“The concept of the new Events Centre supports many of the Community Trust’s aims, enabling community groups providing for health and social needs, to be housed centrally for good access for all ages.”
“I fully endorse this donation to the Events Centre,” said former mayor and trustee of Carterton and Districts Community Trust, Martin Tankersley. “This facility will greatly enhance our community.” Long-serving trustee Pat Smith, who has had previous long-term involvement with Plunket said she was fully supportive and the donation was a good thing for the community at large.”
Trust patron, Robin Parker was also in total agreement. “It is a good use of the money rather than just having it sitting in bank.” “This is the sensible thing to do,” said Trust Life member and long-serving Carterton community service worker, June Nielsen. “It’s nice to see funds which were community raised funds from the beginning going back into the community.”
The Carterton Events Trust formed to help build Carterton’s multi-purpose community centre aims to raise at least $1.5 million for the project. The donation takes its fundraising to well over $1 million.
“This donation is a fantastic gesture from a Trust which has clearly recognised the need for such a facility for the district which meets many of the original aims of that trust,” said Events Centre Trust chairman John Greenwood.
Mr Greenwood said the donation was a ‘major boost’ and fundraising efforts were continuing. We welcome any contribution, large or small. Smaller donations by way of a ‘Buy a Brick’ programme are invited from anyone wishing to support the centre.” Engraved bricks will be laid in the centres courtyard providing an enduring record of donor support.
The council-owned centre being built in Holloway Street includes an upgraded and extended public library and a new town hall/auditorium able to host performing arts, cultural and community activities, exhibitions, conferences and social events. A youth centre will provide a robust, dedicated space for young people and children will benefit from new Plunket rooms and the toy library. A large foyer will double as an art exhibition area and information centre. Modern meeting rooms will provide comfortable places where locals and visitors can gather.
The Events Centre is expected to be completed in September this year. |
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