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An Invercargill city councillor was applauded by members of the public when he expressed his opposition to the length of time expected to get the Southland Museum and Art Gallery up and running.

Nobby Clark.
Nobby Clark.
Deputy Mayor Nobby Clark was voicing his concerns at yesterday’s Invercargill City Council meeting at which council was adopting its long-term plan.

He said he did not agree with timelines given for the museum, which had already been closed for three years.

A report presented to councillors at the end of last year noted the museum refurbishment was a 37-month project, expected to cost $52million.

"I still struggle why we need six years to get this delivered.

"It’s time for our council to be brave and up front," he said while the attendees responded with applause in support.

Only one of the five or six key projects highlighted in the last long-term plan had been completed — the hydroslide.

"The other five haven’t been even started."

He said the lack of action meant he did not have a lot of confidence for the future.

Cr Ian Pottinger said he totally disagreed with Cr Clark.

Feedback he had received from the public was that they wanted a quality museum.

"In such a way that our stadium is unique in New Zealand, they want a museum that goes into the future for generations that will excite people, educate people."

He said there was potential to throw $40million away in haste to get a replica of what was there before.

"I’m after something that was much, much better than that."

In the performance, policy and partnerships committee later in the afternoon, councillors voted unanimously to form an independent governance group to provide advice on reimagining the Invercargill Museum. There would be one place on the group for iwi representation.

karen.pasco@odt.co.nz

 

Comments

Hmmm quality museum like The Stadium.....that collapsed through bad design. Not a quality arguement there Cr Pottinger.
In my opinion the museum upgrade was delayed because certain city councillors were vying for its relocation to the CBD and when that was quashed they simply lost interest and passed the buck.
Judging by the increases in building pricing just in the past 5 years if we delay getting our artistic and cultural hub back up and running any longer the cost to repair or rebuild will just keep rising until it's not viable.
Ratepayers are being charged for the SMAG so it's ICCs responsibility to prioritize it's re-opening. Get it done already!

 

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