Carterton centre shapes up

Work is flowing at Carterton Events Centre with the outside all but complete and the inside not far behind.
Steel louvres now adorn the outside of the building in a river theme, architect Bruce Curtain said.
The bright flowing lines are representative of Wairarapa rivers and the tuna, or eels that swim in them.
"We've picked up on the Carterton boundaries of the Waingawa and Waiohine, so there is a river motif."
That theme also flows indoors, with a "braided river" in a range of blues "through the foyer of the building and across the whole auditorium".
Project manager Ben Holmes, of Holmes Construction, said the building was on track for completion by mid-October.
Outdoors is complete except for "a bit of exterior painting" and the landscaping, which will include paving, seating carparks right up to Carterton School and a bike stand.
Trimmings aside, however, Mr Holmes said the majority of outdoor work on the project was completed in time to beat the snow that buffeted Wairarapa this week.
The centre complex incorporates the former library, whose exterior has been preserved and restored with the interior fully revamped.
"The library and Plunket area is in the stages of being handed over to the painters," Mr Holmes said.
"The administration area is not far behind the library."
In the foyer and main auditorium, builders have been busy putting liners on the inside of the walls.
"We're closing it in. We're definitely on track for handing over in mid-October."
Builders and painters plan on having the library fully restored in time for its 130th birthday in September.
The centre is costing $6 million, of which $1.5 million is being raised by the community.
Carterton Events Centre Trust chairman John Greenwood said the amount raised is "closing in on $1.3 million, with about $200,000 to go".
"We've got three or four applications still to come in, with about three or four private donations (pledged).
"I'm very hopeful we'll be finished in time for the opening."