More than 40pc against arts centre

BY LAURA BASHAM

Nelson city councillors are being given a strong warning not to go ahead with a $28 million proposed performing arts and conference centre, with 41 per cent of nearly 600 submissions against.

Councillors face a dilemma with 28 per cent of submitters in favour and another 27 per cent in favour, but with reservations.

The clear message from those saying no to the centre is that they believe it is unaffordable.

Typical comments are "not with my rates", "have no money" and `too much money on big item that only the middle class with disposable income can afford".

Those supporting the centre say it is overdue. "It's high time we had a facility that is large enough to accommodate travelling shows that currently bypass Nelson," said Arthur Wilson of Marybank.

Those in favour but with reservations do not like the proposed Rutherford St site and are worried about parking. Some call for it be built on the Maitai club site, or say it should be built on council-owned land, such as Rutherford Park.

Some are also critical of the Talley family's involvement in the project. The council has signed an agreement with Rutherford Hotel Holdings, which is owned by the Talley's Group, to pay $4.2 million for a 3662-square-metre site next to the Rutherford Hotel, with the hotel to build an extension for the conference centre.

Submitter Amy Brooke said: "The public demonstrably does not support a council-Talley's combined venue. Moreover, any supposed boosts to Nelson ratepayers required to finance this loss-incurring facility would benefit only those in certain businesses."

Some say insufficient information has been provided, and fear councillors will go ahead with the project regardless.

Council technical services senior executive Alec Louverdis said councillors were reading the submissions this weekend.

They would then hear from submitters this week before deciding on December 10 whether to go ahead with the arts centre.

The number of submissions is half that received for the draft Nelson community plan in May.

Half of the submissions are from residents aged 60 and over.

YOU SAY

Performing arts and conference centre submissions Against: 41.4% 243 For: 28.6% 168 For with reservations: 27.4% 161 Not sure: 2.6% 15

SPEAKING OUT

Submitters' comments

Joe Waller, Atawhai: I implore the council to look at the possibility of developing the Maitai site to create a conference centre.

William Emsley, Cable Bay: As a superannuitant I cannot afford any more increases in rates. I do not think the performing arts centre will be financially viable.

Anne Dobbie, Stoke: It is well overdue that Nelson gets itself on the national circuit for performance. Time for action – just do it.

Mrs UG Wills, Stoke: Nelson cannot afford such an expensive venture. If the people who support the arts want the project, let them pay for it.

Nancy Staite-Davis, Nelson: As a business owner I see great benefits to having a facility such as this in Nelson.

Roy Miles, Tahunanui: Unaffordable, not sustainable. Is being good for local business at a loss to the general ratepayer really a good idea?

Christopher Less, Nelson: Please get on with it, but do not compromise. Build something Nelsonians can be proud of.

L Russell, Nelson: There are far more important things to be done first.

Copies of the submissions will be available at the council's ground-floor reception and at Nelson public libraries.

- © Fairfax NZ News