Final cost of Ashburton’s library and civic centre revealed
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s new library and civic centre cost $62.1 million to build.
Te Whare Whakatere opened to the public in January, and this week the Ashburton District Council announced the final construction cost, two weeks after holding an official opening ceremony.
Ashburton mayor Neil Brown said the final tally included construction costs, specialist advice, and project management and was reduced by building delay penalties in the construction contract.
“We’re pleased to have reached an agreement with builders Naylor Love and other partners we’ve worked with,” he said.
“It was a difficult time to build during and post-Covid and we said last year we expected an overrun of about 10% over the budgeted $56.7m, and it’s come in at 9.5% over.
“We’re disappointed it has cost more than the original budget, but grateful for the $20m shovel-ready project grant from the Government which offsets the ratepayer contribution.”
The original library and civic centre project budget, set after public consultation in 2019, was $51.6m.
Construction began in January 2021 and an additional $5m contingency was added due to the uncertainties around the impacts of Covid.
Originally slated for completion by the end of 2022, the build was besieged by delays, driven by the impacts of the Covid pandemic and extreme weather events.
That meant it opened in January this year, just over 12 months later than planned.
The delays coupled with inflationary pressures pushed the final cost out to $62.1m.
With the $20m of Government shovel-ready funding, it reduces the final cost to ratepayers $42.1m.
Then taking off the proceeds of building sales will further reduce the cost.
The old public library sold for $1.1 million in May, two relocatable buildings were sold for $160,000, and the sale of the old council administration building by the end of this year will likely drop the cost below $40m.
The balance of the cost will be met by debt.
As Brown stated last year when announcing the budget overrun, “the ratepayer will be paying no more than what we consulted on when we started the project”.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53.1% Yes
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46.9% No
‘Tis the season to not get scammed ...
As Christmas gift shopping moves increasingly online, scammers are ramping up their activity across the country.
Dunedin’s Investigation Support Unit is seeing more and more people fall victim to scams and other fraudulent activity, particularly on Facebook Marketplace.
There are a few ways to avoid the scams and keep yourself safe doing online trades this holiday season, says Southern District Service Delivery Manager Senior Sergeant Dalton.
🔒 “A good first step when looking to purchase something on Marketplace is to check when the seller’s Facebook profile was created. If it’s very recent, there is a higher risk that they have just created this account for a one-off fake item.”
🔒 Another important step is to make sure the seller’s profile name and bank account name match up. “We’re seeing a lot of scammers claiming their bank account name is different because it belongs to their partner or family member - that’s a huge red flag."
🔒 “When you’re selling, never trust a screenshot anyone sends you showing that payment has been made. Check your own bank account to make sure a payment has gone through."
🔒 “Quite frankly, it’s best for all parties to agree to pay, or be paid, for items in cash and in-person. Ideally in a public place with CCTV coverage."
🔒 "If you’re buying a car, check Carjam.co.nz to see if it’s stolen or if there’s money owed on it.”
A reminder: Suspicious activity can be reported on 105
Turn Wallpaper Scraps into Beautiful Blossoms
These blossoms made from Resene wallpaper left over after decorating will mean your décor will be blooming gorgeous, no matter the season. Find out how to create your own wallpaper flowers with these easy step by step instructions.
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