Green light for Bulls community centre
Construction of a long-awaited arts and cultural centre in a Rangitı¯kei town could start next month.
That’s if the Rangitı¯kei District Council irons out the final details for its $5.2 million Community Centre in Bulls.
Whanganui-based W&W Construction was confident it could begin building the 15-month project soon, Rangitı¯kei mayor Andy Watson said.
The centre will be built on the site of the now-demolished Criterion Hotel, and used as an information centre, town hall, library and bus stop. It will also feature a youth space and town square.
It’s been an exhaustive three years of preparation to get the project to this stage and some people thought it would never go ahead, Watson said.
‘‘All going well, we could be holding final school assemblies in it at the end of next year.
‘‘I’ve been amazed with the people of Bulls, who have helped [raise money].’’
Bulls and District Community Trust chairwoman Helen Scully said it took a while for the community to agree on the centre’s dimensions, but she felt they had ended with a building that was fit for purpose.
A public meeting in August 2016 forced architects back to the drawing board, to increase the hall and stage area, and the number of seats and toilets. This increased the cost from $3.6m to $5.2m.
‘‘It’s very difficult to have consultation where everyone agrees. When the community wanted to make it bigger it was about how much it would cost.
‘‘To make plans bigger, the community needed to find the money. It has been hard because we’re not a wealthy community, but as soon as we see some building I think more people will jump on board.’’
Scully said Central House Movers director Mike O’byrne had played a huge role in helping the community reach its fundraising contribution.
O’byrne donated a house, which he renovated and painted, before moving it to a new subdivision on Walton St.
Once sold, the home should make more than $100,000.
Plans to bring the town’s main facilities under one roof were pitched in 2013. The old town hall and other council-owned buildings were earthquake-prone, forcing officials to look at consolidating into one building.
Six sites were identified in 2014, with the top three put out for community consultation, those being the Toy Library, Information Centre and Criterion Hotel.
Then the council entered an arrangement with a joint venture partner, DT Holdings, who bought the Criterion Hotel site. Architecture Workshop prepared the designs.
Work began on detailed design drawings in September 2017.
‘‘All going well, we could be holding final school assemblies in it at the end of next year.’’
Rangit¯ıkei mayor Andy Watson