The $4.2million Queenstown project to establish an Arts and Cultural Facility for the community was granted $700,000 from Central Lakes Trust’s (CLT) September grants round.
The other big recipient was the Coastguard Wanaka Lakes, receiving a grant of $312,000 towards the Wanaka Marine Rescue Centre.
Te Atamira development director Olivia Egerton is delighted with the grant from a major funder, saying,
“We are elated! The Trust’s support is integral to achieving the fundraising goals for Te Atamira, and we are delighted to have CLT’s commitment towards this much needed community facility.
Along with private donors and support from businesses, CLT’s grant means we are now over halfway to having all the funding in place.”
She adds, “We will hopefully commence work on the fit-out in the first week of November.
Central Lakes Trust’s support is an important seal of approval and vote of confidence that this project is by and for the community.”
CLT chair Linda Robertson says, CLT recognises the need to respond to the region’s population growth and the importance of arts and culture to our region’s long-term resilience.
“Arts and culture enrich people’s quality of life and contribute to the cultural, social and economic vitality of the district, something we need more than ever.
That over 40 groups havealready indicated they would use the space shows the demand is certainly there.” says Ms Robertson.
Coastguard Wanaka Lakes President Jonathan Walmisley says, “We have been working alongside the Trust for a number of years while we got our final site approved, to have our plans come to fruition is fantastic.
Having a dedicated emergency response hub will be a real asset for the community.
It will allow a quicker response in emergency situations and will house our new rescue boat and equipment.”
The only specifically Cromwell grant this round was $3063 to the Cromwell Presbyterian Church for the Light Party 2021. Others, however, will benefit the Central Otago region as a whole, like the Central Otago District Arts Trust, and the Molyneux Park Electronic Scoreboard.
