Friday 19 June 2015

Funding grants boost Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom project

The construction of Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is now a significant step closer with the project having received grants totalling $1.25 million from New Zealand Lotteries.

The funding comes from a Significant Projects Fund grant of $750,000 and a Community Facilities Fund grant of $500,000.
This follows Horowhenua District Council adopting recommendations that allowed the Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom project to move into the detailed design phase and applications to be made for third party funding.
To be developed in and around the old Mitre 10 building next to deMolen Windmill just off Foxton's Main Street, Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is to be a multi-purpose community hub and a visitor destination, encompassing a diverse mix of culture, history and technology.

It would cover 1500 square metres and include galleries and spaces for local, national and international exhibitions; meeting rooms, lounge spaces, Council and visitor information, library; recreation resources, demonstration and performance spaces; workshop and learning spaces; and a cafe.

The facility would house the Piriharakeke Generation Inspiration Centre and the Dutch Connection Museum, the Foxton Library and Council service centre, as well as displays by various local community organisations.
Foxton Community Board chair Janine Smart said the Lotteries grants would contribute significantly to the project.

"We are now $1.25 million better off and Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom has done particularly well given the large number and huge value of other applications for New Zealand Lotteries funds," she said.

"Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom will be a unique new facility that will act as an exciting magnet for locals and tourists, and contribute energy to the vitality of Foxton."

Strategic Project Coordinator Cathy McCartney said Te Awahou-Nieuwe Stroom was designed to attract local people and tourists, consolidate information and services, and connect people and places.

"It will also provide opportunities for a number of groups in the Foxton area to share their knowledge and experience with others. Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom will be a catalyst for education, employment, tourism, volunteering and growth."

The vision for the Te Awahou-Nieuwe Stroom project supported Council's wider aim for the economic, environmental and social development of Foxton and Horowhenua District. The project would also support the work of others on the restoration of the Manawatu River loop and the Manawatu River estuary, Foxton town centre development, and national celebrations of Dutch culture and heritage.

ENDS

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