Work on construction of Carterton’s multi-purpose community centre will begin this month after the contract for the project was awarded to Wairarapa company Holmes Construction this week.
Carterton District Council mayor, Gary McPhee, said following a highly competitive tender process, Holmes Construction had been selected to undertake the project at a cost of $5.9 million. The facility is expected to be complete by September 2011.
“There was strong interest in the project from both local and outside construction firms,” said Mr McPhee. “The price has met our expectations and planning over the years and we are very pleased that a local company has won the contract.”
Mr McPhee said the start of the project marked a new beginning for Carterton. “We have struggled with a real lack of community facilities for decades. It’s exciting that our district is to get its own town hall and community facility which will meet multiple needs for all ages and has the flexibility to be almost anything we need it to be.”
Mr McPhee said the centre would be an important asset to the region as it has the ability to act as a welfare centre in the event of a civil emergency. “Currently Carterton has nothing that fits this bill.”
The community-owned events centre to be built in Holloway Street will include 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.
This historic Carterton Library, one of two existing buildings to be refurbished and incorporated into the centre, will move its operations to the Lodge Hall in Holloway Street from 18 October and remain open while construction takes place.
Carterton Events Centre Trust chairman, John Greenwood, said the trust remained committed to raising $1.5 million to help fund construction of the centre and would continue until that target was reached. “The fundraising effort has received good support from the community, but now is the time to really step it up and help make it happen,” said Mr Greenwood. “This will be a facility for the whole community to use and enjoy for generations to come. It doesn’t matter how large or small the donation is – we are calling on everyone to get involved in some way to support their centre and have some fun doing it.”
Mr Greenwood said the trust was awaiting the outcome of several grant applications and would continue to seek them. Smaller donations through a ‘Buy a Brick’ programme are invited from anyone wishing to support the centre. “This is a great way for individuals and families to be a part of the centre and receive permanent recognition there on an engraved brick,” said Mr Greenwood. Pledge forms are available from Carterton BNZ, the council and Carterton businesses. |
|
