Council to purchase RSA property
News Release – Council to purchase RSA property
Whangarei Mayor Sheryl Mai and Whangarei RSA president Chris Harold have jointly announced that Council is to purchase the RSA property at 9 Rust Ave for $3.4 million in December 2017.
The RSA and Council first started talking about the purchase some time ago and have worked together on the project. The purchase has been funded by Council’s Property Reinvestment Reserve.
Mayor Mai said the RSA has been looking at the on-going usefulness of the site to them, and the benefits of selling it and relocating.
“The association is of considerable importance to our community, and has worked with Council on a wide range of projects over the years. We value that relationship and we are very happy for the RSA to stay where they are until June 2018 while they complete arrangements for their relocation. We have committed to providing a memorial flag station, to support ongoing ANZAC Day activities and to respectful treatment of the memorial trees on the site,” she said.
“This site’s proximity to
the Library and Forum North, gives us good opportunities for
consolidation in this precinct and could have a number of
potential uses including car parking, a new theatre or new
Council premises. However before any firm plans are made we
will formally consult with the public.”
The President
of the Whangarei RSA, Chris Harold said that the RSA will
continue to prosper in Whangarei.
“With a membership
that is growing older we need to look at our purpose for
being and refocus our approach with concentration on the
welfare of veterans. The RSA building has reached the stage
where it needs updating and extensive refurbishment. With
our relationship with the Council, we will still have a
suitable central base to start our annual Anzac Day
commemorations. The RSA plays an important role in our
community and we are pleased to have sold our premises to
another community organisation that respects our heritage
and the contribution we make. An announcement about our
future plans will be made in due course.”