The Eastern & Central Community Trust (ECCT) has confirmed a grant of $150,000 for the Hastings Wesley Church Community Centre redevelopment project.
The redevelopment is the next step in a long history for the church, which first opened its doors in Hastings in 1884. The current community centre opened in 1953 but after years of constant use it is looking tired and ready for a revamp.
Reverend Laokopo Fa'afuata said: "There's only so much we can do as individuals and as an individual organisation. Coming together creates a powerful opportunity for our extended community. This kind of support from a local trust means so much to us and will enable us to offer so much more to our community now and in years to come."
The design of the new multi-use community centre cleverly uses flexible spaces to cater for a wide range of needs. The centre will include a variety of meeting spaces, accommodating small to large community gatherings while an auditorium will be available for fully catered conferences.
ECCT trustee Mark Kilmister says the team at ECCT can see the community centre's potential for a range of uses and users.
"We're really excited about the possibilities that this modern building will have for the local community. To have this kind of quality facility in this part of town, right opposite the Municipal Theatre opens up a range of opportunities in itself."
A feasibility study completed by Giblin Group concluded that a redesigned and modern community centre would help to build social capital in the Hastings CBD.
The completion of the new facility is eagerly anticipated by a raft of current hall users including Zumba for senior citizens, Women's Institute, a community playgroup, Highland dancing, Sikh martial arts and the Forest and Bird Society amongst many others.
The ECCT grant follows Hastings District Council funding of $400,000 for the project which was confirmed in 2017. The Wesley Church has also raised $600,000 for the project over many of years of fundraising activities.
The church congregation fundraising events include performances at Carols in Cornwall Park, Waitangi Day celebrations at the Regional Sports Park and International Cultures Day.
The new community centre will be built on church land on the corner of Eastbourne and Hastings St following the demolition of the current building. Construction is expected to begin by the end of this year, with an expected reopening in mid to late 2019.