Council to sell Harbour Board and History House buildings

The Grey District Council will put its History House and Harbour Board buildings up for sale, and work with community groups over the future of its fountain.

At a five-hour Long Term Plan hearing yesterday, councillors also decided to increase their support for the Regent Theatre, and make up a $250,000 NZTA footpath shortfall.

The council received 166 submissions on its draft plan, and just under 30 people presented to councillors yesterday.

Mayor Tania Gibson thanked everyone who submitted and said there were some very well thought out comments, and suggestions.

There were 92 submissions on History House, and 78% were in in favour of selling.

The collection will shortly be catalogued by an expert, and council is exploring alternative options for housing the collection. The building will be put up for sale.

There were 95 submissions on the Harbour Board building, and 81% were in favour of selling. It will be put up for sale.

Fifty-six submitters agreed that the council fountain should not be repaired or renewed; 36 disagreed. Councillors want to work with community groups on a way forward. The council will continue to fund basic operational and maintenance costs.

“The fountain will continue to run as per normal until it has any significant issues, and hopefully we can get some traction on a plan for the way forward in the meantime,” Mrs Gibson said.

The West Coast Theatre Trust, which runs the Regent Theatre, will see its operational grant increased from $38,000 to $50,000, to ensure the theatre’s continued operation.

Councillors agree that the theatre is an important asset for the community and generally felt it was in everyone’s interests that the theatre remain open.

They also agreed to take over the theatre’s existing $656,000 loan on behalf of the trust, but the trust retains ownership of the building. The trust will need to report back to council six monthly.

With 81.7% of submitters in favour of making up a $250,000 NZTA footpath funding shortfall, councillors agreed to make up the difference with rates.

The council will review the dog registration process. There is $500,000 set aside to renew the Preston Road dog pound in six years.

A proposed $4500 annual fee for the Westland Recreation Centre to help offset increased costs from hosting large spectator events is not workable and will not proceed. Also, there is a plan to return the Activity Room, currently used by Civil Defence, to its original intent.

There were submissions on flooding and wastewater in lower Cobden.

The council has recently awarded a contract for the construction of the new Cobden wastewater transfer pumping station. Construction is expected to start this month.

There is funding to support the creation of a lower Cobden retention basin next year. This area will help alleviate stormwater issues in the lower Ward Street and Bright Street area.

The proposed rate rise will be finalised later this month once the changes to the draft plan are confirmed.

You can watch a recording of the meeting on the Grey District Council’s Facebook page.