Support strong to build centre on hotel site

The site of the Criterion Hotel in Bulls could have a new service centre built on it if Bulls residents get their way.

Bulls residents want the town's merged library and information centre to be built on the Criterion Hotel site.

The Bridge St site was favoured by 63 per cent of respondents to a community survey conducted by Creative Communities who have been working with a steering group to develop the Bulls Town Centre Plan (BTCP).

Ten per cent preferred the current information centre site while seven per cent wanted the Toy Library site.

These figures will be reflected in the final BTCP which Creative Communities will present to the Rangitikei District Council next Thursday.

Last year RDC proposed to merge the town's library and information centre into one premises in the new retail development on Bridge St.

However Bulls residents lobbied the council to abandon the plan, which it did.

It decided the merger would be considered as part of a wider town centre plan.

A steering committee was set up and charged with developing the BTCP alongside Creative Communities.

In consultation with residents, six site options were drafted and later narrowed down to three. Newsletters were sent to 1100 bulls residents giving them the opportunity to have a say.

Steering committee chairwoman Jane Dunn said the Criterion seemed to be preferred because of the space available which made it more flexible. It is privately owned but currently on the market.

Mrs Dunn said a lot of work still had to be done such as costing and design, even if the council backed it. The new building would also likely be used as a town hall and the site possibly a bus depot.

"It will hopefully be a community hub more than anything."

Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson expected the council to back the steering committee's advice.

He said council would vote to authorise staff to carry out initial costing and planning which would be included in next year's long-term plan.