New multipurpose facility being investigated as part of public space study

A NEW multipurpose facility in Omakau is being investigated as part of a feasibility study on publicuse spaces in the district.

The idea had come from the Omakau Community Facilities Working Group, a community group that was shaping a community plan for the Omakau region, Central Otago District Council (CODC) community development manager Paula Penno said.

The council facilitates the plan, and has recruited consultant Global Leisure Group (GLG) on the Omakau working group’s behalf. A $25,000 grant from the Central Lakes Trust will fund the work.

GLG was looking at options for the development of Omakau’s community facilities to meet current and future needs for Omakau and surrounding rural communities, including the possibility of a new multipurpose facility.

A statement from the working group said that both of Omakau’s larger community venues — the Omakau Memorial Hall and rugby clubrooms — were ageing and in need of significant expenditure.

‘‘Investigations determined that trying to sustain both the [Omakau] hall and the clubrooms will be very costly (both in redevelopment and ongoing maintenance), and would continue the current duplication of facilities. A new build of a single facility will be more costeffective over the lifespan of the facility, and will bring together community activities.’’

Feedback from community and usergroup surveys, dropin sessions at Omakau and meetings with stakeholder groups and community representatives had determined two distinct messages, the statement said. The community wanted one multipurpose ‘‘hub’’ facility; and there was a desire for modern public toilets in Oma kau’s retail area.

Suggestions for the multipurpose facility included a flexible space that could seat 150200 people, but could also be separated into smaller spaces; a movable stage; good indooroutdoor flow; and access to technology such as WiFi, data projection and videoconferencing capabilities.

Indoor sporting activity space was also requested, as well as options for services such as child care or a fitness studio.

GLG is now moving into the second phase of the feasibility study, which will include costings, a sketched layout, and development of an operating and management structure for the proposed facility. The report will be completed for public presentation early next year.