Family Centre will have to raise extra funds to cover the cost of its move from Charities House in Paget to King Street in Hamilton.

Martha Dismont, executive director of Family Centre, said: “We have to raise another $150,000 on top of our budget.

“We have already received a wonderful donation but we will be going out to the public to help us fund the cost to cover the renovations.”

Ms Dismont said that Family Centre staff are thrilled to be moving into their new home.

She said: “It feels like a new, special beginning. As the staff are moving in, they are so excited to know there is a level of ownership for Family Centre.”

“Now we can create the space we need to the specifications that we know will be useful.

“This is an amazing gift that we have been given, and we have to continue the legacy of Agnes May Robinson, particularly for the children.”

Mrs Robinson founded the Sunshine League Home, which closed its doors last year because of financial hardship.

The building was given to Family Centre last April to support their efforts.

Ms Dismont said the King Street location was a perfect site.

She added: “We have the Youth Development Zone counselling programme that is all about working with the youth in North Hamilton and now we're right smack in the middle.

“Its great for improving accessibility. It will help our staff move in the area and be closer to the people. There is a grassroots feeling in terms of being close to the families we work with.”

Ms Dismont said the charity was hard at work moving from its former home in Charities House in time for a Monday opening.

She said: “We will have a long weekend.

“On top of moving up there, we have to make sure that we leave Charities House in good condition.

“Charities House has been a wonderful opportunity for us to build a platform for us until we could move into our own space.”