Whangārei District Council opt to consider leasing or buying options for new civic centre

The site framed by James, John and Dent Sts is owned by The Neil Group which is interested in talking to Whangarei District Council about its site. Photo / John Stone

Limits were at the heart of another debate in Whangārei's council chambers over a new $37 million civic centre.

During 2018-2028 Long Term Plan deliberations on May 17, councillors opted to seek expressions from the private sector for the development of the civic centre at a yet-to-be-determined city centre site and the RSA/Forum North site on Rust Ave.

At that meeting some discussion centred on possibly leasing the building in an arrangement which could include private sector add-ons such as a hotel or conference centre.

Councillor Greg Martin filed a notice of motion at the end of that meeting to bring the issue back before the council on Thursday. His motion had four parts, which councillors debated separately.

The RSA and Forum North combined site is being considered by the council as a potential site for its new civic centre. Photo / Michael Cunningham

The first was to confirm the land the civic centre is to be located on would be owned by the council, as would any future buildings.

Councillor Greg Innes said he felt the motion would limit options the council might have to consider.

"There may be other benefits that could accrue, not just administration. I don't want to close those options off yet."

Several other councillors agreed it would limit the options.

On the other hand, councillor Sue Glen was in support of the motion.

"Any other options put a limit on our control," she said.

Councillor Tricia Cutforth also agreed with the motion.

"To me it's limiting risk to the organisation, to ratepayers."

General manager corporate Alan Adcock confirmed the budgeted $37m for the development includes buying a site.

Ultimately the vote on the motion was a 7-7 tie, with Mayor Sheryl Mai using her casting vote against the motion and therefore remain with the status quo. As a result, the council will forge ahead with plans to pursue expressions of interest for both sites.

The Neil Group, which owns a site under demolition in Whangārei's central city, has said it is interested in talking with the council about its site.

The second and third parts of Martin's motion were adopted and will see the specification documents for the proposed centre return to council before it seeks expressions of interest, and consistency across the selection criteria and level of evaluation of all proposals.

The fourth part was to include the development of a future theatre as an additional option when seeking expressions of interest for the RSA/Forum North site.

Councillors cited a lack of funding in the Long Term Plan, and a willingness to focus on the civic centre as they opted not to approve that part of the motion.