At an extraordinary council meeting on Tuesday, councillors chose a new option which will see a theatre, museum, library and civic space built, potentially at the existing Timaru Library location in Sophia St.
The exact site was not confirmed, but it was heavily suggested the Sophia St location would be the leading contender.
The new "Plan B" was a late suggestion in the years-long debate, and was said to have been suggested through a public submission.
It was touted that the new facility would be of similar or slightly higher cost to the theatre and heritage facility plan, which had a proposed cost of $57.1 million and had been worked towards for six years.
Councillors were warned that going for an alternative plan and site meant there was a possibility of losing the remaining $6.8m in Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment funding, due to breaking contract.
The meeting was chaired by deputy mayor Scott Shannon, as Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen withdrew from the table — and began with Theatre Royal upgrade project lead Nicole Timney discussing option one (the theatre and museum complex) and then option two (the theatre, museum, library and council chambers facility).
Chief executive Nigel Trainor spoke about the pros and cons and cost of each option, including interest and depreciation figures and the effect on rates.
Crs Allan Booth and Stu Piddington both wanted the discussion to remain in public, but it was argued that due to the commercial nature of the project and there still being unconfirmed costs, it would not be possible.
Councillors discussed matters for an hour with the public excluded.
When an open meeting resumed, Cr Booth called the $57.1m cost for option one "nuts" and said he favoured adopting a more holistic view that included the library space.
"That library site will actually underpin the redevelopment of our CBD. It’s critical that that will be the catalyst for the rejuvenation of our CBD.
"We are going to get the best of a new theatre, a new museum, a nice sunny spot, a civic space for everyone to go to.
"It’s a no-brainer."
After further discussion on option one’s contingency level of 7.2%, and future requirements to upgrade other council-owned buildings, Cr Booth moved to decline option one and start looking at option two and pursue public consultation on that.
His motion was seconded by Cr Michelle Pye.
Cr Owen Jackson spoke against the proposal.
"[Option two] has some merit but it’s come right at the very death. Where was this plan years ago, why didn’t it come forward much earlier in the piece?
"It looks like a great plan, I totally agree, but it feels rushed.
"I don’t feel confident that the $56m laid out in front of us for Plan B-plus will be what it is two years from now."
He said he supported going ahead with the Theatre Royal Heritage centre plan.
Cr Peter Burt was in support of option one but said he would support anything that came out of the decision-making process.
Voting in favour of the motion were Crs Booth, Pye, Shannon, Stacey Scott, Gavin Oliver, Sally Parker, and Stu Piddington. Crs Jackson and Burt voted against.
Mr Trainor was asked to present a plan for option two in a week.
By Connor Haley
