The Gore community is is set to receive a $4 million dollar funding boost for infrastructure projects as part of the government’s ‘shovel ready’ scheme, designed to stimulate the economy and create jobs post- COVID-19. 

The announcement, which includes $3 million towards a new library for the district was made by Infrastructure Minister Shane Jones in the James Cumming Wing in Gore – where the temporary library has been set up.

A further $1 million to go towards upgrading the Gore Multisport complex. 

The Gore library staff were over the moon to receive the funding for the new library with Gore Library manager, Lorraine Weston-Webb tearfully saying, “thank you, from the bottom of my heart,” to Mr Jones. 

The Gore library was forced to temporarily move to the James Cumming Wing hall in May last year after black mould and asbestos were discovered in the Norfolk Street building. 

Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks said the library funding was a game changer for the Gore District Council and meant residents could be using a new, modern library by early 2022 – 18 months ahead of the original schedule. 

“We have some challenges here in terms of infrastructure, both above and below the ground but one particular challenge we’ve had is with our library.”

The council has already had $1 million pledged for the project from Mataura Valley Milk, which is to be paid in $200,000 instalments over five years. 

The total project is estimated to cost $5million.

Mr Jones said the James Cumming Wing, where the new library will be built, had already become a popular, central location for the library and the whole ground floor of the James Cumming Wing community centre would be able to receive a full renovation – bringing in plenty of jobs into the community. 

“Up to 60 construction contractors are expected to be employed on this project, which the Gore District Council says can be under way within six months, with numerous other subcontractors and suppliers to benefit as well,” he said. 

Mr Jones said it was important that the shovel projects were not just for large infrastructure projects in the big cities such as roads and bridges, but instead the “shovel-ready kaupapa,” covers environmental, and “well-being”, community focused infrastructure within the regions too. 

“This Government is committed to investing in infrastructure that benefits all New Zealanders, not just those in metropolitan centres. Community facilities like the ones we’re supporting in Gore are important pillars of regional New Zealand and I’m pleased we can back these two important projects,” Mr Jones said. 

Mr Parry said the future of the old library building would be the next discussion on the table, but he suggested it could be converted into some type of visitor attraction given it’s located in the arts and heritage precinct. 

Meanwhile, the Gore multi-sport complex has been allocated $1 million to replace the roof in the aquatic centre plant room and reception area, as well as the MLT Event Centre. 

Mr Jones said the work could be under way within three months and would employ local contractors during the construction period.

The complex was a stunning and beloved building when it was opened 17 years ago but it had deteriorated over time, causing the roof to start leaking. 

Gore Aquatics Manager Martin Mackereth said the funding would also cover improvements to the ventilation system in the filtration plant room to minimise the corrosive environment, and construct safe access to the roof to access the condenser fan units. 

“We cater for about 55,000 customers a year at the event centre. It’s an important hub for the entire district, where people come together to play, socialise and forget about challenges going on in their lives,” he said.

Mr Jones is expected to make more shovel-ready funding announcements for the Southland and Otago regions during a visit to Inverargill tomorrow morning.