Upgrades for rec centre
A ratepayer-funded cash injection for the Te Kawau Recreation Centre will give it a new lease of life.
Ceiling panels in the Rongotea gymnasium had been damaged from old leaks due to holes in many of the roofing panels.
While a $5000 grant from the Manawatu District Council will go towards fire costs, the centre will have to wait until the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan before any money comes to repair that damage, which is expected to cost $60,000.
Although, the centre had only asked the ratepayer to fork out for $20,000 of that total in the council’s next major budget.
Community and strategy general manager Brent Limmer said a ‘‘small amount’’ of earthquake strengthening was required to take the centre from 45 per cent to 90 per cent, however that wouldn’t be legally required.
The minimum level is 33 per cent of the National Building Standard.
That work is expected to cost about $45,000 and is also proposed to be included in the upcoming Long Term Plan.
Councillor Andrew Quarrie said it was a ‘‘dedicated bunch of volunteers’’ that were keeping the centre in check.
‘‘If they were to fall over the council would be left with a considerable problem.’’
The council will fund fire costs through its $55,000 maintenance hall budget dedicated to repairs to community halls around the district.
‘‘If they were to fall over the council would be left with a considerable problem.’’ Cr Andrew Quarrie