The Grace Street Project have launched an ambitious fundraising campaign intended to motivate corporate business and individuals on a national scale. They are wanting to inspire those with a strong affinity to Invercargill to give back to the region.

The ambitious Grace St Project has received a $25,000 boost thanks to the funds raised from the Invercargill Rotary Club’s annual Book Sale.

Janette Malcolm, Chairperson of IC2 believes that this heritage project will assist in developing greater feelings of belonging, inclusion, pride and optimism in the community.

Janette Malcolm, the driving force behind the Grace St community building project in south Invercargill which would provide residents with opportunities for growth, learning and social connection, said it was incumbent on everyone to help the youngsters of south Invercargill.

It may seem strange at first to understand how a community-driven initiative, aiming to transform south Invercargill, has connected with two women with significant influence in America, but that’s what the group behind The Grace Street Project have done.

Janette Malcolm, Chair of the Grace Street Project said to be announcing our first two ambassadors was exciting but made even more so that both have a deep connection and affinity for Invercargill.

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.