Janette Malcom from the Grace Street Project believes that “Technology is a foundation skill for the future. And we’ve seen that a hub such as this can engage our rangatahi and connect them with a much more optimistic future. This will provide Southland with future skills for our current and new industries.”

Christmas arrived early for seven Southland community trusts after New Zealand Aluminium Smelters announced it had given a total of $1.15 million to them.

New Zealand Aluminium Smelters chief executive Chris Blenkiron announced two flagship projects, Invercargill Grace Street Project and the Waituna Lagoon recovery programme, would each receive $450,000 to support their community initiatives.

A new community hub in south Invercargill will open up learning and ultimately job opportunities for its socially disadvantaged residents, a Ngai Tahu leader says.

The Invercargill Community Connections Charitable Trust (IC2) has so far raised $1.98m of the $4.48m needed to complete the 690sqm Grace Street building project, beside the south city shopping area.

The project will see the former Grace Street Chapel rebuilt into a multi-purpose facility for the community to use.

On Thursday night those behind the Grace St Project in Invercargill launched a $2.5m fundraising drive.

It’s the quest to get another bold South Invercargill community development completed.

Included in those that spoke at the Grace St Project function was Jason Paris.

A collective cash injection of nearly $1.5 million to the Invercargill Community Connections Charitable Trust (IC2) has provided the platform to launch a redevelopment of the former Grace Street Chapel.

The $4.2 million project will include a community lounge, offices, co-working spaces and space for large meetings, workshops, exhibitions, classes and internationally-streamed gaming stations.

IC2 chairwoman Janette Malcolm said the development was a phenomenal opportunity for south Invercargill.