Plans for a new Community Centre in Martinborough were shared with around 120 people attending a public meeting held in the Town Hall last month.
The meeting was chaired by Mayor Adrienne Staples and an introduction was made by Max Stevens, Chair of the Martinborough Town Hall Working Group before presentations by Steve Bramley of SGL (professional leisure planners and funding advisors), Victoria Read on behalf of the SGL architects and Paul Crimp (SWDC CEO).
It is proposed that the Martinborough Town Hall be strengthened and repositioned as the most valued and regularly used community facility for the greater Martinborough area.
Plans were revealed for the surrounding area to be transformed into a community hub incorporating a new library space, the i-Site, Plunket and the Toy Library. The new development provides an opportunity to develop a bold and unique destination playground and a versatile outdoor events space for the town centre.
The $6.5 million dollar project is positioned to have no significant impact on rates, with Council already having set aside funds for the strengthening of the existing Town Hall and provision made to implement a funding strategy that includes improvements to the Town Hall and the development of the facilities for which it is responsible, such as the Library.
It was announced at the meeting that over $700,000 of pledges for contributions towards the funding of the Community Centre have been received from individuals and businesses to date, illustrating strong support for the project from within the local community.
During question time several attendees spoke in support of the project while others raised concerns. One local asked that the impact of the project on the Cenotaph and the Square be given due consideration and one enterprising young local boy asked what would happen to the redundant playground equipment after the re-design of the play area, perhaps thinking of a re-design of his own backyard!
The public are being urged to make submissions during the Annual Plan process. Submission forms must be received by the 19th of May (see below).
The Martinborough Community Centre Communications Team.
How to get involved:
This is the time for you to tell us what you like and to share your concerns and your suggestions by making a submission as part of the Draft Annual Plan process. Submission forms can be found at swdc.govt.nz or you can pick one up at the Council Offices or at P&K store, where plans, brochures and submission papers can be collected and posted back in the box near the magazine section. Submissions close on May 19th. Submissions in support of the project are a vitally important part of making this project reality so please, get writing!
Supporter Profile: Thunderpants
If you have ever enjoyed the sublime comfort and style of Thunderpants you can thank Josie and Sophie Bidwill whose Martinborough-based company produces this successful NZ-made brand of organic underwear. We asked them a little about themselves and why they have given their support to the project.
What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Everyone feels better if you front up and apologise when necessary.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
We were both the stars of the flutterboard races at school
Why have you decided to give to the Community Centre Project?
What makes Martinborough special for us is the mix of people and the way the community draws together to support projects and people in need. We see the Town Hall Project as an opportunity to create a focal point for the town, based around the iconic square, that will help to draw the town together as a whole and provide a great venue to attract more events to the area…. And we have happy memories of those ANZAC Day morning teas taken with a nip at the Town Hall.
Supporter Profile: Jim and Michael
Jim Clark and Michael Honey live on the outskirts of Martinborough. Michael is the welcoming face at Bloom Café and in his spare time an avid gardener. Jim who runs long-time local business Cotter and Stevens is also a musician and motorbike enthusiast.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Work hard, play some, have some toys.
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
They probably already know!
Why have you decided to give to the Town Hall project
Martinborough is special to us because it is a destination, not just a “One Street Town”, and it has an amazing community. To survive, the Town Hall needs support. A building some see as cold, drafty, old and ugly will, when refurbished and combined with a modern community hub, become a unique focal point in the town. Great to use and be proud of.
Thank you to our generous supporters
Tom and Di Bunny, Jim Clark and Michael Honey, Paul and Rosie Collins, Cotter and Stevens Ltd, John and Trish Donald, Catherine and Marco de Groot, Ro and Lyle Griffiths, Gerald Hensley, Robin Lockie, John and Di Martin, Tim Martin and Victoria Read, The Martinborough Star, Martinborough Community Board, Helen and John Meehan, Pain Estate, Pain and Kershaw Ltd, Patuna Farm, Richard Riddiford, Smith Family Waihinga, Max and Liz Stevens Family, Graeme Thompson and Chris Cassels, Thunderpants Ltd, Felicity and Arthur Warren, Weatherstone Family Rotopai Farms, Pam and Garry Wells, Wood Family Paharakeke
What’s Next
8th May 2014. SWDC public workshop to present and discuss the Annual Plan at Martinborough Council Chambers at 7pm.
19th May 2014. Annual Plan submissions close.
25th June 2014. SWDC will formally adopt the Annual Plan.
Contacts
Help and queries about submissions?
Pam Colenso 3069503 or Mary Smith 3069594
Funding and general enquiries?
Max Stevens 3069095 or Victoria Read 3068570
Follow us on Facebook:
facebook.com/MartinboroughCommunityCentre
