A Dunedin businessman has urged the Otago Regional Council to consider moving its offices to the former post office building rather than moving to its proposed waterfront site.
At the council's meeting yesterday, the last for the year, Chris James, who described himself as a "substantial ratepayer", spoke at the public forum about his concerns at the possible cost of the proposed office block.
"As property owners ourselves, we do not think it is sustainable."
He was also concerned at the economic impact of moving the council's staff out of the Princes St district.
"There are a lot of well paid staff here who will not be spending in the Exchange area anymore."
Along with the "big blow" expected from tough economic times, it could set Princes St back 10 to 15 years, Mr James said.
"We need to huddle together in the middle of town."
He did not believe the council would ever get back the investment it would make in the harbourside building.
Mr James said he had doubts about the post office hotel development's future and believed the building would better meet the council's goals of promoting sustainable development and enhancement of Otago's resources.
Chairman Stephen Cairns said after the meeting, the council would decide in February whether to proceed with the waterfront site.
"Come February, if we say no to that, it might be one option we look at."
He said the post office building was more suited to a hotel than a major office block and if "this group could not do it, there were other people who could".
