The major redevelopment of Masterton’s Abbeyfield house is close to going ahead, with local fundraising nearing its target.

The project, being undertaken by Abbeyfield Properties in conjunction with Abbeyfield Masterton, will cost close to $1 million in total. Of the $100,000 targeted to be raised locally, $80,000 has so far been raised by local funders the Thomas George Macarthy Trust and Trust House. A grant has also been secured from an international Abbeyfield legacy fund, and other funding applications are in progress.

Abbeyfield House Committee Chair Jude Clark said local businesses had got behind the project as well, offering various in-kind support.

“There is certainly an increased awareness that a major redevelopment is happening, and we really value local support for this community asset,” she said.

The house currently has 10 studio units and the redevelopment will add another four. At the same time the kitchen, dining room, lounge and laundry will be replaced. These are currently located in an old building which was originally the vicarage for St Matthew’s Church next door. The vicarage building will be moved off the site and the new dining and living spaces added to the existing residential wing,

Abbeyfield Masterton chairman Laurie Williams said the redevelopment would help meet the huge demand for affordable housing for older people in the Wairarapa area, as part of a larger housing crisis in the district.