Time to revamp some of the District’s iconic buildings

It’s time to get out the tools and the paint, because the Hurunui District has just received its share of a nationwide $12.4 million Provincial Growth Fund, to be used to renovate Council-owned town halls and war memorials.

The Scargill Motunau Pavillion, Waiau Hall, Hanmer War Memorial Hall/Library and Amuri County Chambers Building have jointly received $935,175 from this Fund.

Hurunui District Council Chief Executive Officer Hamish Dobbie said the Council is very grateful to receive this Fund, which will not only enable some significant renovation work and earthquake strengthening, but it will also create jobs.

He said this will have a great flow on effect for local businesses such as eateries and vehicle service businesses, which is particularly vital in the current economic climate.

“And it’s fantastic for the local communities, who will be ecstatic to see their much loved town icons receiving a new lease of life.”

In total, 37 applications involving 97 individual projects have been approved across 14 regions.

Otago, the West Coast and Canterbury are the areas with the most projects approved - with an estimated 600 jobs being created across the three regions.

The other regions are Kāpiti Coast, Southland, Northland, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Top of the South, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Manawatū-Whanganui, Chatham Islands and Wairarapa.

The money for the renovation of town halls and war memorials was earmarked in May as part of at least $600 million refocused on projects with more immediate jobs and economic benefits as part of the COVID-19 recovery.