Costs for repair options for Rotorua Museum remain unknown

There are still no confirmed costs for the repair of the Rotorua Musuem. Photo/File

Rotorua Lakes Council is still working on costings for the repair of the Rotorua Museum, after releasing four repair options more than three months ago.

In October, four options were revealed for the repair of the museum in a presentation by the council chief financial officer Thomas Colle.

At the time Colle said he wouldn't be making any estimates as to the cost, but they were talking multiples of $10 million.

He said it could be three months before it was known how much each option would cost.

The benefits of each repair option would be weighed up against the operational costs for each of the repair methods and would go to public consultation, he said.

This week acting council chief executive Craig Tiriana said in a statement work on costings was ongoing.

"The museum remains a priority but this is not simple work and needs to be done properly and thoroughly.

"The costings work is expected to be completed within the first half of this year and will go to council for its direction prior to community consultation being undertaken."

For more than two decades, Ann Somerville guided people through the museum.

She said it was frustrating to see the building sitting empty and hearing visitors around town who wish they were able to visit it.

"I understand that it is such a complex process.

"I guess we have to have a certain amount of trust in the council, and there's no reason they wouldn't want to see this happen quickly."

Although she is no longer guiding she said the tours of the museum grounds had been consistently busy, even through the wet weather.

She said at times like this she wished she could get the advice of late local historian Don Stafford, who a wing of the museum was named after.

"I am sure he would have some very sound advice."

Rotorua District Residents and Ratepayers Association chairwoman Glenys Searancke said it was sad to see the building closed.

"I despair really, and now with the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre [closed] as well.

"I guess we just have to wait but I think for both buildings, it has to be a top priority."

She said the museum was important not just to locals, but also for visitors to Rotorua.

"It is a worry, but I will be there when it all goes to consultation."

Choosing an option for repair is only step one of the three stages the council will work through before any construction on the building starts.

Following the selection of a seismic design, the council will address the strategic direction for the building and ensure all requirements are in place before it is approved.