Costs rise for centre

Artist's impression of the finished Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom in Foxton.

Foxton's culture and community centre project costs jumped in October from $7.3 million to $8.6 million.

The increased cost for the Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom project left Horowhenua District Council with a $920,000 shortfall, according to HDC chief executive David Clapperton. He said at the time fundraising would continue.

Project cost increases came from more costly ventilation and air-conditioning systems, wet weather leading to engineering modifications and changes in carpentry detailing, according to an HDC report.

As well as making up the near-$1 million shortfall, HDC is also contributing $3.5 million, including an estimated $260,000 from Foxton property sales and $500,000 from the
Foxton Beach freehold account, Mr Clapperton said.

Grants from external funding bodies have contributed $2.9 million.

Meanwhile, two trusts were tasked with contributing more than $1.2 million to the project, Mr Clapperton said.
Te Taitoa Maori o Te Awahou Trust had committed to raising $460,000 and the Dutch Connection Museum Trust $800,000, he said.

Dutch Connection chair Arjan van der Boon said the trust had already given around $470,000 'in kind' contributions - donated services, goods and money - to the project and hoped to raise the final $330,000 or so in cash within the next 12 months.

Te Taitoa Maori o Te Awahou Trust chair Hayley Bell said the trust had completed its contributions to the project, which included funding for the Piriharakeke Generation Inspiration Centre and its fitout and for the centre's shared facilities.

Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is due to open next week.