A historic 99-year lease of land owned by Greytown Trust Lands Trust [GTLT] has been signed by Cobblestones Museum for just $1 a year.
The agreement comes after a survey last year showed over 80 per cent of respondents were in favour of the lease being locked in for Cobblestones Museum as well as Greytown’s bowling and rugby clubs.
The papers were signed last week, with members of both GTLT and the museum trust gathering to celebrate.
GTLT chair Phil Holden said it had been a long journey to get to the lease agreement but “the end has justified the time”.
“It was 50 years ago that the Trust went into overdraft to support the establishment of Cobblestones, so it is fitting that the circle is closed through this new lease arrangement.”
Cobblestones Trust co-chair Joseph Gillard said the decision 50 years ago to set aside the museum’s site was an example of great foresight and commitment.
“A recent community review of the occupation agreement confirmed significant public support for Cobblestones to continue on this site under an affordable arrangement,” Gillard said.
“As with GTLT, we see ourselves being an indispensable part of Wairarapa, and continuing in our commitment to the telling of Wairarapa stories and as a venue for good fun and happy times!”
Also attending the signing was newly elected MP for Wairarapa Mike Butterick, who called the collaboration a “fantastic story of localism and community benefit”.
“Cobblestones Museum is an important and significant attraction that helps underpin Wairarapa as a destination and contributes to the local economy, from which we all benefit,” Butterick said.
“I look forward to seeing the museum go from strength to strength.”
