The Upper Clutha Presbyterian Church plans to build a new multi-purpose facility in the heart of the growing Lake Hāwea community.
Designed as a hub for activities and events, it will provide space for a wide range of community groups and services, benefiting more than 400 people each week.
In a statement yesterday, the trust said it had approved a grant of $500,000 towards the construction of the facility, as part of its $2.1 million in community grants to round out the year.
Hāwea minister Aaron Johnstone said the church was excited about what the new space would mean for the community.
"It’s designed to be modern and flexible, a place where people can come together, connect and grow."
The trust held its final grants meeting for the year late last month, approving $2,188,484 in funding for organisations across the region.
The latest allotment brought the total amount of grants approved since the trust’s inception to just over $170m, the trust said.
A total of $765,180 over the next three years was approved to support local schools through the Central Otago Principals Association School Referral Programme, designed to help schools provide targeted interventions for students with complex needs.
Trust chief executive Barbara Bridger said education was the foundation of strong communities.
"By empowering schools to tailor support for students with complex needs, we’re helping create environments where every learner has the opportunity to succeed.’’
Schools receiving support included Cromwell College, Dunstan High School, Te Kura o Tititea Mount Aspiring College, Roxburgh Area School and Wakatipu High School.
While Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu was not yet part of the programme, opportunities to extend support were actively being explored, the trust said.
