Wait over for Bunnythorpe hall as funding released

A decade-long wait for a town hall in Bunnythorpe is nearly over.

The Bunnythorpe Public Hall Society has money in the bank to build a new community centre, following the Manawatu¯ District Council’s release of $240,000, which it had held for more than 10 years.

Since the old hall was demolished in 2008 for safety, there has been no community meeting place in the village.

Society spokeswoman Anne Russell said the community was frustrated the project had encountered delays, compounded by the town’s boundary change in 2012, when Bunnythorpe moved from Manawatu¯ district to Palmerston North.

An opportunity to secure the former Bunnythorpe Methodist Church complex as a community centre was lost, forcing Anzac Day commemorations into the local tavern.

The proposed new facility would cost $2 million and would be built on the Bunnythorpe Recreation Ground by February 2020.

The Palmerston North City Council has pledged $926,000 towards it, with the society awaiting responses from several other funding requests.

Russell said the new facility would be available for hire and used by youth groups, play groups, indoor bowls, exercise groups and conference rooms.

‘‘It’s really important for the Bunnythorpe community to have their own place to meet. The Bunnythorpe Rugby Club has joined the hall society. This is the first time the community has been united like this.’’

Councillor Barbara Cameron, who was the last liaison councillor for Bunnythorpe before the boundary change, said residents’ patience had been incredible.

‘‘[Resident] Barry Houston had a bold ambition for this hall, but sadly he passed away.’’

Prior to the boundary shift, the council agreed to put aside $240,000 until a new site was secured. A public meeting on July 4 culminated in the community opting for the new centre to be built at the recreation ground.