Building supplies companies and professional services firms are putting their hands in their pockets to help with Napier Plunket's new $1.3 million family centre in Onekawa.
A number of local and national firms have come forward to offer support for the centre, which is expected to provide a hub for Plunket,
Parents' Centre and other groups providing services to Hawke's Bay families with children under 5 years old.
A resource consent application was lodged in July for a purpose-built 595sq m building on Onekawa Park, and a result is expected in October.
Tenders for construction of the building, to be clad inside and out with $14,000 worth of donated James Hardie products, are currently with Hawke's Bay companies and due today.
"Once building costs are firmed up, we can begin to secure the balance of the funding," said Alison Prins, leader of the Napier Plunket Centre project.
"We are hopeful that resource consent will be granted to allow construction to be under way by early next year."
Plunket is aiming to have the centre completed by the end of 2011.
Mitre 10 Mega personnel have been working with centre designer EOS Design to canvas building-supplies companies to contribute products at reduced prices. To date, James Hardie, HB Longrun, GIB Board, All Seasons Air Conditioning and PinkFit insulation installers have pledged support.
Joining them are consulting engineer Geoff Kell and Zorn Surveyors, with offers to provide structural engineering and surveying services at discounted rates.
Plunket's national sponsor, BNZ, has donated surplus office furniture to equip the centre once it is built.
In addition to Plunket's nurse clinics, car seat rentals and toy library, the new centre will be home to Napier Parents' Centre and its range of parenting services.
The facility is expected to include more than 25 rooms for clinics, conferences and education sessions. A parents' lounge, children's playroom, cafe and possibly a baby and maternity op shop are also planned.
