Community hub project a step closer

REVAMP: An artist's impression of the planned exterior of the refurbished and extended Martinborough Town Hall. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

Trust House Foundation has injected $150,000 into the multi-million-dollar revamp of the historic Martinborough Town Hall.

Max Stevens, Martinborough Town Hall Steering Group deputy chairman, said architectural drafts were under way for the $5.2 million worth of strengthening, refurbishment and extension work that aims to turn the building into a multi-purpose community hub.

Included in the building plans was the provision of a range of community services under one roof, he said, including the Martinborough Library, which was today using temporary premises, Plunket rooms, a toy library, the Destination Wairarapa iSITE and a cafe.

"We are delighted that the Trust House Foundation recognises the significance of this project," Mr Stevens said.

"This contribution certainly reflects the enthusiasm and generosity being demonstrated by our local community for what will be a vibrant and inclusive facility for the greater Martinborough area."

The building project will be funded through a combination of grants, public fundraising and council funding, Mr Stevens said, and the Trust House grant bolsters steering group community fundraising, which had so far secured $1.2 million from 51 donors including the high-profile Tora Coastal Challenge and Mark Hadlow's Middle Aged Man In Lycra (Mamil) shows.

The steering group leading and managing the project on behalf of the council includes people like South Wairarapa District Mayor Adrienne Staples, Martinborough ward councillors, the council chief executive, several community representatives, and the project leader and co-ordinator.

Mr Stevens said the project, which was taking a staged approach, was on track to complete the preliminary design and council approval will be sought next month to proceed to the detailed design phase.

"Subject to sufficient fundraising and further council approval, we hope to be in a position in the second half of 2015 to seek tenders for construction."

A competition to name the new centre was launched this week, Mr Stevens said, as the steering group aims "to involve the community as much as possible, so are inviting people to get creative and put forward ideas that reflect our area's unique culture and history".-Entries for the naming competition close on December 12 and entries can be posted to the South Wairarapa District Council or sent by email to: info@

martinboroughcommunitycentre.co.nz.