Boys Brigade extensions take shape

Work on extending the Westland Boys Brigade complex in Hokitika has reached the halfway mark.
Builders are now putting a second level floor in the extensions, at the Hokitika Racecourse. The whole project is scheduled to be finished by the middle of September.
Boys Brigade spokesman John Mitchell said work was progressing “slowly and steadily”.
The brigade was still fundraising for the development by selling firewood, while the final phase of building, including an access ramp, would be funded Development West Coast, he said.
Builder Tony Madden said the new complex would give Hokitika youth the opportunity for more activities.
The extension will include an audiovisual room, games room, gym and abseiling wall.
The $747,000 development is also expected to mean that upon completion, the Boys Brigade Hall will be able to host much larger groups of people, possibly in excess of 500 at a time.
Development West Coast senior business development manager Peter Walls said the trust came on board with the project after the Westland District Council approached them for MDI funding.
He said the finished project would be good for the youth of the town but the complex could also have the potential for Hokitika to host conferences as well.