Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Wellington Town Hall – A $43 million white elephant
10 June 2013
Wellington Town Hall – A $43 million white elephant
Property Council’s Wellington Branch is calling on Wellington City Council to reconsider its decision to throw $43 million at the Town Hall.
Ratepayers are being asked to stump up with $43 million to earthquake strengthen the Wellington Town Hall – for a third time during its relatively short lifespan. Property Council’s Wellington Branch President Ian Cassels thinks this is unacceptable.
“When is it time to move on?” Mr Cassels asks. “Approximately $43 million of ratepayer funding is required to strengthen this building to a safe standard. With talk of a dying city taking the headlines, we need to choose whether to put this investment into the past or forward into our future.
“How much of our heritage stock should be refurbished to the point where it can achieve a long term sustainable commercial future, and how much must we demolish to make way for assets built to 34, 67 or more than 100 per cent of the current building standard? Wellington is operating in the 21st century. When will we start making decisions for our future?”
Listed as a Category One heritage building, the Wellington Town Hall now faces remodelling or strengthening once again in response to earthquake events in New Zealand. “First, the clock tower was removed after the 1931 Napier earthquake. Then, when considered an earthquake risk in the 1970s, the Michael Fowler Centre was built to supersede it.
“Demolition was thwarted in the 1980s after time diluted the urgency of action. This risk is now rekindled, and again we sit at a crossroad. The time and cost escalation together with the site value of this property makes this a $70 to $80 million cost decision funded by ratepayers.
“Before we recommit to saving the past, we must explore other opportunities which will help create a stimulating city centre. Wellington has much work to do to truly re-establish itself as a thriving capital city. We need to choose what will stay, and what can go, to ensure the long term health and safety of our citizens and to provide them with a commercially viable future for the city.”
END.
Gordon Campbell: On What’s Wrong With The Treaty Principles Bill
Mana Mokopuna: Children And Young People Share Vital Insights On Healing From Family Violence And Sexual Violence In New Report
NZ Government: PM Marks One Year In Government
Helen Clark Foundation: Helen Clark Foundation Calls For Political Action To Reduce The Prevalence Of Junk Food And Improve Health Outcomes
Justice Committee: Further Decisions About Submissions Process For The Principles Of The Treaty Of Waitangi Bill
Infrastructure New Zealand: Single Agency Needed To Coordinate Climate Adaptation And Recovery
Free Speech Union: Fair Digital News Bargaining Bill Likely To Restrict Access To Information, Polling Shows Most Oppose
