This should be the jewel in the crown of Hastings, standing proud in a CBD that is sometimes, fairly or unfairly, maligned for its lack of pride.
Instead it is imprisoned in a mass of mesh, warning off entry instead ofbeing a welcoming oasis of culture and artistic endeavour. There have been highs and lows, but it does not come any lower than the sobering reality that to make that grand old building 100 per cent earthquake-safe would cost a staggering $21million.
This is on top of the millions spent only a few short years agoto bring it up to the then-earthquake code.
I understand that the Christchurch earthquakes were a game-changer and threw all previously acceptable compliance codes out the window, but this is probably as bad as it can get without the building physically tumbling down.
The unfortunate situation is that this big problem has a ripple effect on other projects. A consultant's report released yesterday has estimated the cost of bringing the Opera House, which turns 100 this year, and adjacent Municipal Building up to code - so it can be re-opened to the public - could be between $10.7million and $21.7million.
This is a far cry from the $8.5million the council budgeted for the strengthening work.
To be fair, Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule has front-footed this whole sorry mess and is adamant that the council has done the right thing up until now. He is probably right, but either way it is a mess Hastings can do without.
The big question is whether it is worth spending a cool $21million in getting 100 per cent code on structures that are only valued at about $25million.
Knocking the building down is beginning to look very attractive. However, if that drastic step is taken, then the council needs to let the people of Hastings decide what, if anything, replaces it.
