The Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust appears to have offered occupiers of old buildings in the district a reprieve through its grants scheme.

It also appears it has renewed its focus in the way it handles community grants – a departure from what was perceived a hard-line trust policy on grants to older buildings in the Rotorua district.

The trust's chairman Stewart Edward was responding to a question whether the trust had had a change in direction in approving such grants.

Several days ago, the trust approved a $10 million grant to urgent improvements at Rotorua Museum, closed because of earthquake risk. But the drive to reconstruct the building to acceptable standards was going to cost millions.

Now the trust, which has a capital base of $140 million, has broken what appeared a convention to announce its gesture.

The promise of the $10m apparently comes with riders, but should provide the impetus for funds from other providers on application.

This week's decision is important because about two years ago, a Rotorua theatre group seeking funds to upgrade its aged theatre was told publicly by then trust chairman Grahame Hall that it in effect did not 'throw new money at old buildings”.

This was contrary to the trust's history which had in fact confirmed grants to the Government Gardens tea rooms and indeed the historic Rotorua Museum.

Edward was asked whether the trust had reversed its policy regarding funds for old buildings.

Today in response to a question, Edward said the focus of the present trustees was 'about what the Museum/Bath House building means to the city”.

Left to gradually decay would have been contrary to the strategic thinking that the trust has worked through over the past two years, he said.

'There was also that window of opportunity for the [Rotorua Lakes] Council to negotiate a deal with the present Government as budget bids for 2019 were being made.

'It was seen as a key contemporary project for the city with important economic, historical and cultural connections to the city.

'It was an opportunity for the community to stand beside the council to support a bid to the Government on behalf our community.

'The other key principle was the positive impact that the facility can have on future generations of the youth of this city,” Edward said.

His statement offers hope to occupiers of other key, older buildings in Rotorua in need of funds to upgrade their buildings at the 2016 blunt dismissal.