17/07/2020
**$7 MILLION FUNDING ANNOUNCEMENT**
An enormous milestone has been hit with the Clutha Community Hub Charitable Trust successfully securing $7 million of central government funding via Crown Infrastructure Partners as part of the call for shovel ready projects. This significant investment in the district combined with the previous commitment from the Clutha District Council of $7.5million, makes the vision of the Clutha Community Hub a reality.
The development of this stunning new facility will provide significant benefit to the Clutha District.
The combination of Calder Stewart being engaged as design and construction partner leveraging local construction resources and the ongoing jobs created via engagement with the new services the facility will provide it is projected there will be ~150 jobs created directly and indirectly via the Hub, and millions of dollars of associated revenue to the district which is pivotal to supporting the local economy at this time.
This sensational building will continue to support the existing uses and purpose of the War Memorial Hall, taking its legacy forward to serve as a platform to stimulate new opportunities within the district - now and for future generations.
Construction is projected to start later this year.
Some key features are:
- 400+ person multi-use auditorium with modern theatre technology, adjustable raked seating, flat floor stage, and separate mini cinema / seminar space.
- Flexible spaces that will evolve with the community’s needs.
- Spacious atrium that showcases the district, local art, history, and provides a platform for local tangata whenua and iwi to share their own korero of the district and river.
- Dedicated space for the War Memorial and potential relocation of the Balclutha Cenotaph providing a central place of remembrance.
- Tenanted retail and leased spaces, including a modern i-Site and Council Service Centre
- A central place for Plunket, and other regional organisations to work together for the local community.
- Central place for visitors to find out about the entire district.
- Business Hub featuring modern technological amenities, reconfigurable meeting, seminar and co-working spaces.
- New links to the river, bridge and cycling and walking tracks, and enhanced views over the Clutha River.
- Increased car parking and better alignment with the streetscaping of the main shopping area.
The trustees and wider steering committee are looking forward to sharing further details over the coming weeks.
