Omakau Hub project on track
One year on since forming the Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust, significant progress has been made in the establishment of the Omakau Community Hub Project.
The hub is the Trust’s flagship project, to construct a purpose-built, multi-use community facility on the Omakau Recreation Reserve for Omakau and the surrounding communities.
The Central Otago District Council’s property team gave an update in a report to the Vincent Community Board at a meeting in Alexandra today (Tuesday 17 October 2023), to inform members of how the project was tracking and the next steps.
These include continuing to develop building hub design plans, installing a ‘fundraising thermometer’ at the proposed Hub site to keep the community informed on funding progress, developing a fundraising strategy and pursuing fundraising initiatives.
An updated Hub developed design and Trust fundraising strategy will be presented to community board for approval, and the Trust will proceed with funding applications to external funders once all avenues of funding have been confirmed.
Trust chair Andrew Paterson, in an email to property team, said he was pleased with the progress the representatives from the various community groups have made, with signing of the Trust Deed, development of concept plans and pricing of the project having now been finalised.
“A special thank you to the Central Otago District Council (CODC) for its support and guidance along the way. The cost of design and build of the facility has been estimated at $5.2 million with $1.7 million having already been secured thanks to the CODC, and the Bob Turnbull Trust ($600,000 grant), along with several fundraising events that have been held. It means we are on track, and onto the next phase of the Omakau Hub Project, and have a good gauge of the work ahead to make this fit for purpose facility a reality for the local community.”
There were several fundraising activities planned with funding applications to be submitted to the Central Lakes Trust, Otago Community Trust and Lottery Grants Board, which continue to be supportive of this project, Mr Paterson said.
“There will be an opportunity for business, groups and individuals to contribute to the project. The Trust is very appreciative of any financial support or in-kind/volunteer work that people may be able to help with along the way.”
The Trust encourages anyone interested in joining the fundraising committee to contact the secretary on info .omakauhub@gmail.com or phone 021 226 5273. For further information contact Andrew Paterson on: 027 224 7511.
For more information about the Omakau Community Hub Project go to: Agenda of Vincent Community Board - Tuesday, 17 October 2023 (infocouncil.biz)
