Councillors Considering $10m Spend on New Chamber

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance can reveal that Auckland Council is considering spending up to $10 million of ratepayer money to build a new council chamber so councillors and officials do not have to walk the 400 metres to the Auckland Town Hall.

The Ratepayers’ Alliance has been provided a presentation detailing options for a new Council chamber, estimated to cost between $4.5 and $10 million dollars. The confidential briefing was requested by councillors who asked officials for "options to improve councillor and public experience" and move the chamber into the Council’s new office tower at 135 Albert Street.

Jo Holmes, Spokesperson for the Ratepayers’ Alliance, says “Len Brown promised to cap rates at 2.5%, last week delivered 9.9%, and now we find out councillors want to waste millions on meeting rooms to save them from a 400 metre walk.”

"This Council act like they have more money than sense. The Auckland town hall is a beautiful building and there is nothing wrong with the existing space. Spending should be on public works, not vanity projects."

"We’re calling on the Council to live within its means and get back to basics. Ratepayers of Auckland are sick of paying for the Council's luxuries while it tells the public that there is no money left for core infrastructure."

Key facts:

• Council currently use the ‘reception lounge' on level 2 of the Auckland town hall for full council meetings
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• Councillors asked officials to provide options for a new council chamber in its office tower at 135 Albert Street
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• 135 Albert Street was purchased by the Council in 2012 at a cost of $157.4 million (including fit-out)
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• The existing Town Hall would remain in Council ownership and retained for ceremonial space
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• The Council has refused to provide its estimate of the costs. The Ratepayers Alliance has been advised by a property developer that the costs could be between $4.5 and $10 million depending on the design options chosen
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• A copy of the presentation is available for download at http://www.ratepayers.nz
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ENDS

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