Sign In / Register
A small gathering of supporters took part in the blessing of the site where Estuary Arts Centre’s education wing is being built.
Work should begin this week, breaking ground for the long awaited education wing extension to Estuary Arts Centre’s building on Western Reserve.Estuary Arts Centre chair Natalie Fuge described the blessing of the Orewa site on March 24 as “a momentous occasion that has been a long time coming”. Plans have been on the drawing board for more than four years, but were kept moving forward by the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board and Estuary Arts Centre Trust.
The project will cost more than $1.1m.
Local board chair Julia Parfitt and members Janet Fitzgerald and Lisa Whyte attended the blessing, together with Cr Wayne Walker, Estuary Arts patron Jill Gatfield and supporters.
Richard Nahi blessed the site and Mrs Parfitt said that the education wing will transform the centre into a sustainable, vibrant community asset.
The 270sqm extension includes a foyer, two classrooms, a kiln room, kitchenette and storage.
Completion is expected by the end of November, after which work will begin on updating the existing building.
In the meantime, Estuary Arts Centre’s Trust board must raise more than $100,000 for the fit out of the Wing, and equipment.
