The Department of Internal Affairs confirmed yesterday it had accepted all six projects proposed by the council earlier this year for the first tranche of funding from the 3 Waters Reform Better Off Funding scheme.
Chief executive Stephen Parry said the council was delighted to get approval for such a broad range of projects and in line with the previous council’s resolution.
"These projects represent an exciting, geographically diverse package. They all contribute to our community’s wellbeing and embody our rural city living philosophy," he said.
The package ranged from advanced developments, such as the Maruawai Centre, to innovative concepts, such as the Mataura Medical Hub, Mr Parry said.
There will be $1.2 million given to the Maruawai Centre stage two development.
The redeveloped premises in Norfolk St will house several visitor experiences and facilities under one roof.
The major component will incorporate "He Hikoi a Te Awaawa Mataura: A Journey Through the Mataura River Valley" and will explore the area’s earliest history. This visitor attraction will be based on an intensive research programme in partnership with Hokonui Runanga and the many collections and research projects of the Gore District Historical Society. Featured storylines will also include the district’s farming history, Flemings Sgt Dan and the acclimatisation of brown trout.
Facilities will include a new Gore Visitor Centre, a relocated Hokonui Heritage Research Centre and temporary exhibition spaces for themed historical, promotional and arts presentations.
A precinct workshop and a micro-brewery will be at the rear of the building to service the Hokonui Moonshine Museum and other neighbouring facilities.
The Waikaka Valley-Willowbank Windmill will be restored with a $150,000 grant.
The 1908 windmill has a New Zealand Historic Places Trust category one listing. The project involves fully restoring the main structure and platform and refurbishing the water tank.
The local community has been fundraising, and the grant will enable the project to be completed.
The new Gore Library will get $50,000 for its artwork. The funding will go towards the creation and installation of Maori artwork with cultural and local significance on internal glass walls.
The Tulloch Park redevelopment will get $500,000.
The money is for stage two of the destination recreational attractions at Mataura’s Tulloch Park developed in the wake of the Mataura swimming pool closure.
The Mataura Medical Hub will receive $180,000. A joint project between the Council and Mataura Community Board the hub will have a high level of health sector and broader community involvement to create a medical hub in the former office of the Alliance Groups Mataura meatworks.
The Hamilton Park cycling and pedestrian safety project had been given a $200,000 boost.
The project will provide a safe crossing on Railway Esplanade (SH1) and into Hamilton Park.
