Trust gives project $50,000

EXTRA BOOST: The new Masterton Town Square development has been given a $50,000 funding boost by the Eastern and Central Community Trust. PHOTO/CHERIE TAYLOR

A $50,000 boost has been earmarked for the development of Masterton's new town square.

The Eastern and Central Community Trust has injected the sum into the project through its latest round of funding.

Trust manager John McKenzie told the Times-Age it was a worthy project for the trust to engage in. "They applied to us for funding and the trustees felt it was worthy."

Developer David Borman said the money would be used for seating, lighting and planting in the square, which would help make it a community space where people could relax.

About 100 bay shrubs and trees are to be planted in the space. The development is expected to cost about $600,000 in total with about $500,000 already donated by local businesses and trusts.

"It will definitely be pleasing to the eye," he said. "It is taking shape quickly."

Thanks to the Eastern and Central Trust grant and other local sponsorship, the project had been able to be kept on schedule, Mr Borman said.

Plans are for the space, on the corner of Perry and Chapel streets between the Masterton District Council and the Wairarapa Times-Age, to open to the public for use within four weeks.

"If it wasn't for [the sponsorship] it wouldn't have been possible," he said.

Mr McKenzie said it was good to see the improvement project under way. "The project has definitely gathered momentum and will provide Masterton with an excellent public facility."

The town centre donation is among $200,000 the community trust has given to the Wairarapa community this month. Earlier the trust announced a $100,000 donation to upgrade services at Pukaha Mount Bruce.

It is giving Greytown Community Sport and Leisure Society $8500 for operational support, Whaiora Whanui Trust $9000 for refurbishing and a new consultation room, Central Wairarapa Indoor Bowls Association $7000 to replace the hall roof , along with smaller donations including $4000 to Street Youth Ministries to help its work with at-risk youth.