Feedback wanted on hall upgrade

A concept plan to redevelop the Omarama Hall into a multi-purpose facility and medical centre has been produced for feedback from the community.

The plan, by architectural design consultant Nic Zuppicich, has been prepared for the Omarama Residents Association, set up after a public meeting in August at which about 50 people discussed how the hall could be redeveloped.

Association president Bill Gordon said copies of the concept plan had been emailed to Omarama Gazette recipients and a large one was being prepared for display on the community noticeboard outside the Omarama Foodcentre.

Feedback is being sought by April 1 for the committee to consider at its meeting on April 7.

"We don't want to go to the next stage of getting working drawings and estimated costs until we have heard and considered the community's views."

The concept plan involves upgrading and relocating some facilities and building a 50sq m extension to the rear of the hall.

The extension would house a Plunket room and a meeting room, next to new unisex toilets.

A doctor's room would be created off the entrance foyer in existing space, replacing the Omarama Medical Centre which was sold by the Waitaki District Council last year. About $190,000 from that sale has been promised to the hall redevelopment.

The kitchen would be relocated and upgraded and an existing wing continue to house the playgroup, but also be available for small meetings.

The possibility of building hard courts for sports such as netball and tennis next to the hall is also being investigated.

Whatever was done, upgrading of electricity and plumbing would be required and the use of the building by the play group-kindergarten would be protected.