A lifeline has been handed to the Southland Museum, more than two years after its doors shut to the public.
Photo: Google Maps
The Invercargill-based museum and art gallery became off limits in 2018, after it was discovered that the building was an earthquake risk.
The Invercargill City Council said councillors unanimously agreed to ask the community if it supported fully refurbishing the building, at an estimated cost of $52.2 million.
The consultation will be part of the council's long term plan (LTP) process.
Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt said cheaper or more expensive options were also available, but the council's preference was for a full refurbishment.
Mayor Tim Shadbolt. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
"By choosing the option that we have, it will be affordable for council. Rather than having more delays, we will be able to start work next year, should the community support our proposed option," Sir Tim said.
Deputy Mayor Nobby Clark said councillors had thoroughly discussed what their preferred option would be, and had considered wider budgeting needs as part of those discussions.
"We felt this was the best long-term option, and it will save us having to revisit it in 15-20 years," he said.
"While we have indicated that option C is our preferred option, that will be subject to public consultation as part of the LTP. We wanted to ensure we could start work as soon as possible, and option C will allow us to do that with the wider city budget being considered."
The community will be presented with five options:
- Option A is a minimum refurbishment at 34 percent of the New Building Standard (NBS), estimated to cost $25.3m. The process will take 27 months.
- Option B is a minimum refurbishment at 67 percent NBS, estimated to cost $26.6m. The process will take 37 months.
- Option C (council preferred) is a full refurbishment at 67 percent NBS, estimated to cost $52.5m. The process will take 37 months.
- Option D is a new build on the existing floor area, estimated to cost $75.4m. The process will take 48 months.
- Option E is a new build on an expanded floor area, estimated to cost $85.5m. The process will take 48 months.
