Council confirms arts takeover

The Nelson City Council will take over the ownership of the Nelson School of Music and the Theatre Royal.

The decisions were made as councillors adopted the long term plan at a meeting this morning.

Mayor Aldo Miccio said the council would act like a landlord for the school of music and Theatre Royal, leaving  their day to day operation to the community.

The council confirmed an average rates rise of 5.6 per cent for the 2012-13 year.

The rise, and projected average rates increases of between 2.1 per cent and 5.1 per cent over the next 10 years, struck a delicate balance between what the city needed and residents wanted, while maintaining financial responsibility, the mayor said.

"We are moving ahead with exciting projects like the regional velodrome at Saxton Field, which attracted so much support, while also giving some care and attention to much loved older facilities in our city,'' he said.

The council received more than 800 submissions to the long term plan, and about 200 residents spoke at public hearings.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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