The Thames-Coromandel District Council has beefed up its support for the Active Thames 2018 project this week.

On Wednesday council approved the underwriting of $390,000 of community pledges which provides additional financial security for the Thames Indoor Sports Facility component of the programme.

The preliminary design for the new Thames Indoor Sports Facility. Image: File

Thames and Coromandel wards area manager Greg Hampton says this will provide additional confidence that the cost of construction can be met, while also acknowledging and mitigating the risk of receiving less than the full amount of pledge contributions over the five year term.

Sponsor pledges are staged over a five year term to allow a larger number of sponsors to give more toward the projects than possible in a single year.

'Fundraising has been highly successful to date, reflecting a high level of support from the local community, businesses and public grant funders,” says Greg.

'As at this month, council and the Active Thames 2018 fundraising committee has generated sponsor pledges and grants in excess of $1,680,000.”

The Active Thames 2018 programme aims to improve recreational facilities in Thames and includes a new skate park (2016), replacement of the grandstand/clubroom facilities at Rhodes Park (2018) and improved aquatic facilities for Thames.

Funding of the Active Thames 2018 projects comes from council, Thames High School, public grants, and local business and community sponsors.

'The successful collection of sponsorship pledges for the Thames Indoor Sports Facility project will give council confidence to continue to back the future projects within the Active Thames 2018 programme,” says Greg.

To make a pledge contact Mary Hamilton on 027-503-5505 or for more information visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/thamessportsfacilities