Doubts on Rae's plans for conference centre

John Rae's mayoral opponents are questioning his calls for a multi-purpose events and conference centre at Waiwhakaiho.

This week, Mr Rae outlined a proposal for the New Plymouth District Council to buy the Ravensdown Fertiliser site if it comes up for sale to build the facility, saying it was his vision for New Plymouth's future.

But yesterday, his opponents were less than enthusiastic about the idea.

The project is certain to be an expensive one, given that the current value of the site is close to $21 million.

Phil Quinney said it was interesting Mr Rae was opposing spending ratepayer money on a Len Lye Centre but appeared happy to spend large amounts of the same money for this plan.

Nevertheless Mr Quinney was the most supportive of the concept.

He said he was in favour of looking into developing a conference centre and said the site was well suited with its size and location but he did have reservations about its environmental issues.

"We're crying out for a convention centre," he said.

"I'd be in favour of looking at all avenues of developing one.

"But we need to be keeping tight control of our finances at the moment, maybe it's not quite the right time."

Maurice Betts said if he was mayor, he would encourage people to come forward with great ideas for the region.

"John has expressed serious concerns about current council spending," Mr Betts said.

"I suppose this is a project he is personally in favour of."

Mr Betts said more ballpark costings and a better idea of how to fund it would be needed before it could be seriously discussed.

That was also the message from Pauline Lockett, who said considerably more research was needed.

"Economic growth comes from good ideas," she said. "John's had an idea which is good, whether it's a good idea or not is a different thing."

She said she couldn't comment on cost until things such as feasibility reports, economic impact reports and community feedback had been undertaken.

"The concept works very well, look at Rotorua, certainly it attracts people to conferences there.

"Whether it would have the same response in New Plymouth, being a little more isolated, I don't know.

"I think it needs more research."

There was no such hesitation from Chantel Hewitt, though, who dismissed the idea as opulence.

"It's just extravagance actually," she said.

Kevin Moore was also against it.

"Several of the candidates have told us how they are going to reduce the rates burden and make huge savings but at the same time tell us of their multi-million dollar plans," he said.

"The voters need to ask themselves if it makes sense."

John McLeod said he had no comment. Harry Duynhoven did not respond to a telephone message from the Taranaki Daily News.

- © Fairfax NZ News