Community House Mid Canterbury Seeks $435,000 for Vital Repairs

Community House Mid Canterbury is appealing to local residents and businesses for support as it embarks on a significant renovation project. The centre, which has served as a vital hub for social services in the Ashburton area for the past 30 years, requires more than $435,000 in repairs and upgrades to ensure its sustainability and functionality.

Manager Robbie Rosse has outlined that if adequate funding is secured, renovation work could begin as early as early 2024. Planned improvements include reroofing the building, installing solar panels, fitting double-glazed windows, repainting the exterior, and redesigning the entranceway to enhance accessibility.

Community Engagement Through Fundraising

The board of Community House has decided that now is the right time to undertake these projects as part of a comprehensive 10-year plan. They have submitted applications for funding grants but are also encouraging direct community involvement through their “Heart of the Community” appeal.

Individuals, families, groups, and businesses are invited to purchase a symbolic heart, which will be displayed on a mobile “wall of hearts” that will tour key locations around Ashburton from October 6 to November 7. Prices for the hearts range from $50 to $5,000. Ross noted that a similar fundraising initiative in another community was highly successful, which has inspired this effort.

Improving Safety and Accessibility

The maintenance work will take place at the centre located at the intersection of Cass and Moore Streets. This facility currently houses 30 tenants who collectively provide 40 different community services. In the last financial year, the number of visitors to the centre increased by 56 percent, highlighting the growing demand for its services.

Ross stressed the importance of the upcoming changes, particularly in terms of safety. The redesign of the entrance will create a safer pedestrian access route, eliminating the need for visitors to navigate through the car park, which has raised safety concerns.

The renovations aim not only to modernize the building but also to ensure that Community House Mid Canterbury remains a low-cost facility that can continue to support the diverse needs of the community for years to come.