ORC building plan cops flak and praise

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By Rebecca Fox on Fri, 15 May 2009
News: Dunedin | Your Town: Dunedin | Annual Plan Hearings
A "wonderful opportunity" and "way over the top" were some of the descriptions people gave the Otago Regional Council's proposed office block at long-term plan hearings yesterday.

Many of those opposed to the waterfront building, who spoke at the council hearings yesterday, also expressed their opposition to the council's involvement in funding the Awatea St stadium.

Margaret Jamieson said the proposed building was another burden on ratepayers already facing rate increases for the Awatea St stadium.

The location was unsuitable, cold, windy, affected by sea level rise and isolated from the city, she said.

Outram resident Sue Keen said the building was not in the best interests of ratepayers and there must be a less expensive option available.

"It's way over the top. Please consider the poorer ratepayers."

However, businessman and operator of the Custom House restaurant Barry Timmings said the regional council had a "wonderful opportunity" to show leadership and vision, even though it might face "massive flak", he said.

 

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Customhouse and the ORC

Submitted by Missy222 on Fri, 15/05/2009 - 5:13pm.

The proposed new offices are not necessary. Pressure on space will not have been helped by the new managerial posts. How do they justify this new level of middle management? Having had experience of the ORC, there seems to be a number of staff who have little to do anyway. I suppose this is just continuing the old Catchment Board mentality. Of course, the desire to spend ratepayers money on 'flights of fancy' is simply another example of monument building.

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