Costs rise for centre

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

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

Project cost increases have come from more costly ventilation and airconditioning 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 to come 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 are 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 12months.

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 opens tomorrow.