This work is expected to cost $8000-$10,000, excluding exterior painting.
The group has been provided with paint at no cost and intend to use volunteer labour.
They say the balance of phase one will be funded from a range of local sources.
Phase two is more complex and involves considering possible room layouts, discussions with a structural engineer on the internal structure and earthquake strengthening. The bulk of the funding will be needed for phase two. The group hope they can call on the community for support but also intend applying for grants with community funding organisations.
The exact cost is not known.
Community groups who have expressed interest in using the renovated courthouse include government agencies, the Salvation Army, Budget Advisory Service, Literacy Wairarapa, the Arthritis Society, the Cancer Society, Hearing Services and Citizens Advice.
Member of FCCC Judi Rendall said that Carterton has the events centre but still needs a space for smaller community gatherings.
"We need a place where the community can gather, get information, pop in and have a cup of tea. A place for the people."
"It's lovely having the events centre flanked by the library and the courthouse," she said.
The Carterton Courthouse was built in 1884 for the rapidly increasing population of small provincial towns in that time. The courthouse was used for criminal matters but also for naturalisations, elections, marriage licences and land matters.
Both Greytown and Masterton were provided with similar buildings in the late 19th century. Neither still exists so the Carterton Courthouse is the sole surviving Victorian Courthouse in southern Wairarapa.
