Foxton’s new cultural hub gets $1 million boost

Foxton’s new culture and community hub is getting a million dollar top-up from the Government.

On Monday, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry announced that $1 million will come from the regional culture and heritage fund to contribute to the project.

A statement from the Horowhenua District Council says the cost of the project is $7.27m.

Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom will house a community gallery, exhibition spaces, the Dutch Museum, the Piriharakeke Generation Inspiration Centre and a public library.

In a statement, Barry said the project was a ‘‘great example of a cross-cultural partnership achieving big things on a tight budget for a small, but energetic community’’.

The heritage fund was a lastresort funding scheme to help projects in smaller communities, Barry said.

Horowhenua mayor Michael Feyen said any money would be helpful in getting the centre finished.

‘‘It obviously wouldn’t be given if it wasn’t needed.’’

The development of Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom highlighted the ‘‘rebirthing and rejuvenation’’ of Foxton, Feyen said.

A cultural and community hub was something the town did not have, but needed, he said.

‘‘It’s going to be our living room.’’

Feyen hoped it will be a place for tourists and Horowhenua residents to enjoy.

‘‘I’m looking forward to it contributing to the future success of Foxton.’’

In May, the council’s strategic projects manager Cathy Mccartney said Foxton was forecast to get a boost of up to 60,000 visitors once the centre was open.

The 60,000-visitor figure was based on the study conducted by museum consultant Tim Walker and figures from the existing Foxton windmill, which had about 30,000 visitors a year.

Previous recipients from the funding scheme include $400,000 towards Whanganui Museum’s redevelopment.

Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is set to open in spring.