Submissions reach 550 on big project

The Timaru District Council is facing a busy time wading through public submissions on its three proposals for the multimillion-dollar Theatre Royal redevelopment and heritage facility and build.

As the theatre marked three years closed on November 20 so it could be readied for its redevelopment, the council is back at the public consultation stage over a project that could now cost close to $60 million.

Input closes on Thursday and the council has received 550 submissions which will be in a consultation summary report for its decision day meeting on December 6.

The meeting will, if required, include time for those who wish to speak directly to the council.

The council decided to go to the public over the project in late October after it was revealed the costs had blown out from $23.8m in November 2019 to now rest somewhere between $38m and $57m, depending on which option is adopted.

When the theatre closed in 2019 hopes were then expressed that construction work ‘‘might’’ commence in mid-2020.

The council has already said it is not bound by the weight of public opinion if consultation differs from its preferred option 1.

That option would see the Theatre Royal refurbished with the back of house removed and rebuilt, and a new heritage facility built. The total estimated cost of this option (including work completed to date) is $57.1m, with $45.5m community funded and $11.6m government funded.

The council says it can still adopt its preferred option but will take the consultation feedback into account when making the final decision.

If the preferred option is chosen, the council says main construction works will commence in February 2024 with the facility planned to open in April 2025.