A "zen room" that could feature plants and a video of a waterfall proposed for the new $54 million Otago Regional Council headquarters in Dunedin is raising eyebrows.
Cr Gary Kelliher called it a "Zen room".
It is understood something similar will exist in the new ORC headquarters.
Cr Kelliher said he started "from a place of no part of the new building making any sense".
"It’s too big, it has space for more staff than are based in Dunedin and it’s too expensive.
"So then does it surprise me that a Zen room would be included?
"No, I guess not as when the whole building is a ridiculous waste of ratepayer money then spaces like Zen rooms just add to that."
ORC chief executive Richard Saunders said the photos showed a range of furniture that "will be considered when we make final furniture choices".
"What is pictured is a temporary mock-up which does not reflect what the final room will look like.
Staff appreciated the chance to give feedback on how the new building would be furnished, he said.
"There are a range of opinions which we encourage staff to share with us.
"We are all aware that final decisions on fitting out the new building will need to balance cost and the need to provide suitable spaces for staff."
He called the proposed breakout room a "refresh room".
The total cost of the trial was $2734.55 which includes moving costs for loaned furniture and some small furniture purchases.
Chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said the new building was being designed as a modern, efficient and flexible work space — "fit-for-purpose, not luxurious".
"There is no designated ‘Zen room’ — instead, there will be a multifunctional meeting space."
The council had 18% rates rises in 2023 and 2024, while this year’s draft annual plan proposes an increase of about 7%.
The total cost of the redevelopment of the building is $54.5m.
ORC will contribute $11.2m, funded through the sale of existing buildings and land (Birch/Kitchener St and Stafford St properties), and from the building reserve fund.
Port Otago will fund the remaining $43.3m.
Once built, ORC will lease the building from Port Otago at a market rental of $2.59m per year.
The lease agreement is for 40 years: an initial 20-year term with two 10-year rights of renewal.
