Opposition stops sale of assets

Ranfurly's town hall, art centre, and most dominant Art Deco building have been saved from sale after public opposition to the Maniototo Community Board's suggestion it be rid of the assets.

The board suggested selling the buildings as part of the Central Otago District Council's long-term council community plan (LTCCP) for 2009-19.

It was concerned about the continuing and increasing call on ratepayers to fund expenditure relating to board assets and services, and announced its intention to review its asset base, with a view to rationalising provision of services in the Maniototo.

Through the LTCCP, the board asked whether there was a need for it to own and operate the Ranfurly Town Hall, Ranfurly Arts Centre and the Centennial Milk Bar.

It also questioned the ownership of halls at Waipiata and Patearoa and proposed to investigate the recreation requirements in Maniototo Park and the consequent land needed.

At a board meeting in Ranfurly last week, those making submissions on the LTCCP defended the Maniototo's buildings, halls and parks, highlighting the community's need for such assets.

Of the 29 LTCCP submissions relevant to the Maniototo ward, 12 related to the selling of all or one of the three buildings in question.

Oral submissions were made to the board by people representing the Maniototo Community Arts Council, Maniototo Ceramics Club, Ranfurly Karate Club, Maniototo Pottery Club and the Maniototo Artists Group.

Community arts council spokeswoman Norma Manson told the board there was "grave concern" for the arts centre if it was not owned by the board.

"There is nowhere else in Ranfurly that would meet the requirements of all the groups which use the centre. Without a centre such as this, the arts in the Maniototo will wither and die."

In another submission, Janet Andrews said: "Surely we are trying to keep Ranfurly going and not close it down."

Some agreed the milk bar was a drain on money and could be sold or better used, but others expressed concern Ranfurly's Art Deco image would deteriorate if the building was sold.

The board agreed to leave the town hall and arts centre as they were, and consider options for how the milk bar could be better used.

Other submissions called on the board to leave Maniototo Park alone, as well as Maniototo halls.

Board members stressed the suggestions included within the LTCCP represented the early stages of investigation, designed to generate public opinion for consideration.

- rosie.manins@odt.co.nz