Council seeks expressions of interest for two Ōmokoroa buildings

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is asking the Ōmokoroa community for applications from any groups wanting to lease two Council buildings. One is the former library and service centre on the corner of Kōwai Grove and McDonnell Street. The other is the old pavilion at Western Avenue.

The library and service centre relocated to the new sports pavilion on Western Avenue Reserve last September. The Council now is offering to lease the disused former pavilion to community or commercial groups.

Council paid $1 to buy the old pavilion from the Ōmokoroa Sports and Recreation Society, which has since moved into the new building.

The former pavilion now needs to be relocated to a more suitable location to make sure it has the best community use and access. While relocation on the reserve is the preferred option, Council is asking for feedback. If an alternative option is preferred by the community it could be considered - provided funding is available.

Costs to relocate the building have been approved by the Ōmokoroa Community Board. Council will be responsible for costs related to the exterior of the building and the future users of the old pavilion would need to fund the costs of using the space.

The public can view the exterior of the old pavilion on the Western Ave Reserve, but for internal viewings should contact Alison Cave on 07 571 8008 or by email alison.cave@westernbay.govt.nz

The Council says it is keen for the buildings to continue to be used for the benefit of the community, and is also asking the community for submissions on the proposal to lease them.

Expressions of interest in both of these projects will close on Friday 12th March 2021.

All submissions will be evaluated by the Ōmokoroa Community Board on the basis of the submission received, and by a verbal interview if necessary. The Community Board will then make a recommendation to Council.

Interviews are likely to take place in the latter half of March 2021, with a final decision by the Performance and Monitoring

Committee of Council at its April 2021 meeting.

For more information and the submission forms visit: westernbay.govt.nz/oldlibrary-building or westernbay.govt.nz/sports-pavilionbuilding

For any queries or clarification on the Expressions of Interest pack, please contact Blaise Williams on 07 571 8008 or blaise.williams@westernbay.govt.nz