The Milers Flat steering group involved in the development of a new sports and recreation hub have been awarded two funding grants in one week.

Teviot Prospects was awarded $150,000 from the Otago Community Trust (OCT) and an additional $198,000 from Central Lakes Trust (CLT) for its redevelopment of the old clubrooms.

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The project would transform under-utilised facilities into a modern, integrated sport, social, and recreation hub serving Millers Flat, Ettrick and the wider Teviot Valley community. 

The Millers Flat Primary School held an annual sports day for primary rugby and netball players attracting more than 1000 people from throughout Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes, and the reserve had become quite a community hub.

The steering group advised the Central Otago District Council they would seek a third of their $650,000 funding from grants, and aim to develop new tennis courts on the old bowling green site, a pump track on the old courts, and relocate the playground at the rear of the war memorial.

Project leaders Pat Garden and Mark Jessop said several features set the initiative apart:

 “The recreation facilities are designed to serve the entire Millers Flat and Teviot Valley community, from young children to seniors. The aim is to create a hub not only for recreation but also as a welcoming space for community gatherings.” 

They noted that, while the site was a council recreation reserve, a dedicated committee has been formed to oversee the facility and organise events and competitions to maximise its use. 

In other grants, Alexandra Central Otago Rural Education Activities Programme (REAP) was awarded $12,500 from OCT.

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) began its financial year by awarding just under $8 million, including $800,000 for the Manuherekia Valleys Community Hub, while the Alexandra Community Arts Council received $41,014 and Arts Central $31,789, Teviot Valley Rest Home Inc - Resthomes Aquaria $20,480; Cromwell Early Learning Centre upgrade project - Sister Centre $551,500.

Alexandra Primary School Multipurpose Learning Environment received $18,239 for the fitout, and Cromwell College $30,000 for new solar panels for its Art Technology Block; while Tarras School Playground Upgrade $35,000.