The Waitaki Valley Preschool in Kurow has been at the heart of the town since it opened in the 1960s, but for the past 42 years it had been based in an old, outdated schoolhouse.
However, Waitaki Valley Preschool committee chairwoman Suzie McIlraith said moving into the redeveloped premises at the Waitaki Valley School had already provided better education opportunities for the district's preschoolers.
"A great deal of work and effort was put in by parents and staff to relocate last September from the previous preschool building to the redeveloped building on the Waitaki Valley School grounds.
"The move to this building has given us a dedicated under 2s' room, along with more work and play space for the 2 to 5-year-old children.
"We cater for 30 children per day and parents are able to access the free 20 hours' early childhood education for children over 3 years of age." A new home within the same grounds that house the Waitaki Valley School, the community gym, library and swimming pool would also provide many advantages, Ms McIlraith said.
The project had been a "long process", which began almost five years ago when the redevelopment project was first mooted, she said.
Since then, and with backing from Meridian and Transpower, along with the Mid and South Canterbury Community Trusts, $120,000 had been raised by the community and another $50,000 in grants gained to finance the redevelopment of an unused building at the Waitaki Valley School.
Today's official opening would allow for a real community celebration and give the community a chance to see the new facilities for themselves, Ms McIlraith said.
"We invite all members of the community to attend our official opening, including present and past pupils, parents, grandparents, committee members and teachers."
