Council look at integrated centre

"A purpose-built integrated arts & culture and tourism centre will deliver the best value for the Whakatane District Council and community", says economic consultant, Albert Stafford. "An integrated tourism and cultural concept would also best meet community needs for improved facilities. Such a centre has the potential to create opportunities to grow demand for business and leisure facilities in the District".

Mr Stafford’s comments are contained in the executive summary of a 137 page economic feasibility study to examine options for the development of library and museum facilities. The six month feasibility study undertaken by the Stafford Group recommends options for the Council to consider.

The Council will at its meeting today, Wednesday 26 November receive a summary of the feasibility report. The report considers a number of options including retrofitting existing library and museum buildings, retrofitting of other buildings in the CBD or a purpose built facility.

The Council will receive the full report and any further information at its meeting in December where a decision is likely to be made.

An integrated Centre would include; the library, museum and gallery, with the addition of visitor information, an environmental tourism attraction, exhibitions space, and related visitor retail outlets and meetings and functions facilities located on a central waterfront area.

The Centre would also offer the opportunity for future development of and link to a hotel and conference centre. The need for these facilities has been raised by a number of community and business leaders as a significant development opportunity for the District.
 

The project is driven by the current district library, museum and gallery not meeting community needs and being below national standards. District collections are at risk from lack of storage and controlled conditions. Greater efficiencies and effectiveness which could be generated from economies of scale and capitalising on future visitor growth opportunities. A decade of Council commissioned specialist reports has consistently reinforced the findings of the latest report.