Marton Memorial Hall Renovation Fast-tracked

Work on the renovation of the Marton Memorial Hall will begin this year after a $500,000 Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) investment was announced for the Rangitīkei District Council.

In May, the Government earmarked funds for the renovation of town halls and war memorials as part of a renewed PGF focus on projects with more immediate job and economic benefits, as part of COVID-19 recovery.

The hall was built circa 1959 and then extended in 1986. The renovation project includes the removal of asbestos, a new emergency exit, electrical and heating works, fire alarm installation, painting the interior and wheel-chair accessible toilets.

Mayor Andy Watson said securing funding was essential to getting the project off the ground.

"The hall is a memorial to those who gave their lives for our freedom and is a valued community gathering space for various groups and cultures."

Mayor Watson said anyone who has hired the hall will know the renovation is overdue.

"I'm sure everyone will be looking forward to an upgraded heating system as it will make our hall a more pleasant place to be."

Rangitīkei District Council Chief Executive Peter Beggs said he was pleased that Rangitīkei will benefit from COVID-19 recovery funding for regional New Zealand.

"It's pleasing to see our multipurpose asset will be renovated. It is a well-used community Hall, and being able to do these renovations earlier than Council planned is welcomed."

The project will take five months to complete, during which 25 people, including 14 living in Rangitīkei, will work on the project. Council will schedule the works to minimise any disruption to Hall users who have bookings.