An artist's impression of the redeveloped Omarama Memorial
Hall. Photo supplied.
Fundraising is about to start in earnest for
redevelopment of the Omarama Memorial Hall into a community
centre, with $500,000 needed for the building work and another
$100,000 to $150,000 for fitting out.
Through the Omarama Residents' Association the community has
been working for about two years to redevelop the memorial
hall, which also houses the town's play group.
It has been appealing for letters of support from community
groups and individuals to be included in an information pack
to go with grants applications to funding organisations.
One of the organisers of the appeal, Glenys Dawson, said
there had been a good response from the community in support
of the project. The aim is to develop a complex with
additional facilities so it gets used more.
If fundraising was successful, it was hoped work could start
by the end of the year, she said.
The project will start with $169,000 from the sale of the
Omarama Medical Centre, through the Waitaki District Council.
That will form seeding finance to raise other money.
The proposed redevelopment includes an area for a gym and
space for as many sports as possible. Spaces would be for a
range of uses, and would get better soundproofing. Some
facilities would be upgraded and relocated.
A 50sq m extension would be built at the rear for a Plunket
and meeting room, next to new unisex toilets. A doctors' room
would be developed off the entrance foyer, replacing the
Omarama Medical Centre.
The kitchen would be relocated and upgraded. The play group
would stay in the existing wing. The hall would continue to
be available for Omarama events and general public use and
also as a sports centre, gymnasium and indoor training area.
Broadband internet facilities would be available and it would
become a support centre for cyclists using the new Alps 2
Ocean cycle trail from Mt Cook to Oamaru.
It would be available to Omarama School, for civil defence in
emergencies, for conferences, business promotions, performing
arts, library services and possibly a community radio
station.
david.bruce@odt.co.nz
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