Rotorua's museum is set for a $32 million upgrade. Photo / File
Rotorua's museum is set for a $32 million upgrade. Photo / File
A $32 million upgrade of Rotorua's iconic museum is on the cards as part of $481m in capital expenditure planned for the next 10 years.
The museum, the Aquatic Centre, the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, and the Lakefront are all set to get major facelifts if the Rotorua Lakes Council's Long Term Plan (LTP) is given the green light.
The LTP Consultation Document was released this week, and asks the public to give feedback on major council spending and projects over the next 10 years.
It signals a ramp up in major upgrades to key facilities and public spaces, with $32m tagged for the museum.
The Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre will be brought up to building standards. Photo / Ben Fraser
The museum has been closed since November 2016 because of damage discovered following the Kaikoura earthquake.
The council is proposing to fully restore the museum. That would include seismic strengthening, repairing long-term maintenance issues, upgrading exhibitions and facilities, and replacing the roof with a lighter option.
The council was looking to attract up to half of the project's funding from external sources.
"Rotorua's history needs to continue to be told through the stories portrayed in the exhibitions and our culture needs to be preserved and relived through the experience offered at the museum," the report states.
Kuirau Park is also set for a $7.5m boost over the next five years.
That will include construction of a geothermally heated children's water play area, relocating the carpark and Saturday market, creating a new outdoor community gathering area near the play area, and developing new toilets and changing room facilities.
The council would seek one third of the project costs from external sources.
A separate skate park in Kuirau Park has been tagged with a $2m budget.
The Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre will be brought up to building standards. Photo / Ben Fraser
An average rates rise of 5.6 per cent has been mooted for the 2018-19 year.
The average rates rise for residential properties will be 7.86 per cent, while businesses will see a 3.09 per cent rise.
Capital expenditure is budgeted at $481.388 million over 10 years.
Council debt is expected to increase by $67 million over the 10 years, peaking at $269 million.
Over the same 10-year period the council's assets are set to increase to $1.6 billion.
The plan also outlines challenges in the housing sector and proposes selling the council's 152 pensioner units to social housing providers.
"Like many parts of the country, Rotorua is facing issues with housing availability and affordability. Although not unique, our challenges are serious in terms of looking towards the future and the needs of our communities," the report states.
Social housing providers would be able to provide a more financially viable service and provide more support services for vulnerable tenants, according to the proposal.
If the proposed sale did not go ahead, there would be a $13m increase in debt in the 2018-19 year, equating to a 1.4 per cent average rates increase.
In a statement featured in the report on behalf of elected members, mayor Steve Chadwick said several years ago Rotorua was "at a standstill and predicted to decline".
"Local businesses and community groups told us this was not an acceptable future for our district. They wanted to see change, progress and a better future."
The LTP would weave together elements from the Rotorua 2030 vision and "add the colour", she said.
Have your say - Online at rotorualakescouncil.nz/letstalk. - Fill out a feedback form and return it to council. - Post comments and suggestion on the council's Facebook page. - Face to face at a series of public engagement opportunities. See the council website for details. - Feedback must be received by April 13.
