How rigorous was the investigation that led to the building selection?
A specialist architect was commissioned to compare the two previously identified buildings – the former Briscoes building in the Esplanade Mall and the Niederer Plaza (former Farmers) on the corner of The Strand and Boon Street, Whakatane.
The assessment followed a series of criteria which looked at the relative merits of the buildings in:
- providing a suitable framework for significant refurbishment
- meeting the space requirements for a library and exhibition space
- contributing to the urban environment of the town
- meeting the financial expectations of the development
Why was the Esplanade Mall property (former Briscoes) the preferred option?
In summary, the Esplanade Mall property:
- provides a “blank canvas” that significantly simplifies the development and provides desirable flexibility in design
- has a much simpler structure. On balance it provides for a straightforward construction and risk areas could be easily identified and mitigated
- has simple site access and no on-site tenants to accommodate during construction
- is easily accessible
- its location maximises the connection of the town centre to the rivers edge, therefore supporting the Town Vision plan
- provide the best value proposition within the Council’s limited financial resources.
Who carried out the site selection analysis?
Irving Smith Jack Architects Ltd was commissioned to carry out the analysis and provide a report to the Council. Irving Smith Jack have been involved in two projects similar to the proposed Whakatane redevelopment - the Nelson Provincial Museum – Pupuri Taonga o Te Tai Ao and the Millers Acre Centre – Taha o te Awa, the new Nelson i-SITE.
What will happen to the current Museum Gallery building?
The existing Museum Gallery building in Boon Street will be refitted as a collections storage, archives and research facility. This will address some long-standing issues with this building, including, creating a stable environment for collections and providing space and appropriate facilities to enable public access to the research archive.
What will happen the current Whakatane Public Library building?
This is yet to be finalised, but it’s likely to be converted in office space. As you are aware there have staff space issues that have been raised in the recent past.
Where will the additional, estimated $3.5m, needed to complete the development come from?
These funds will be raised in a number of ways, including application to appropriate funding bodies, such as the New Zealand Lotteries Grants Board, private trusts and central government. We will also be looking at naming rights for components of the development, e.g. gallery spaces and also anticipates grants and endowments from private donors/patrons.
What is the projected time-line for the development?
We will be working through the finer details including the time-lines over the coming months. The Council is well aware of the interest in this major project and is committed to keeping residents fully informed of developments.
What was the purchase price of the Esplanade Mall property (former Briscoes)?
$1.45million
What will happen if additional fundraising is unsuccessful?
The Council will have an opportunity to decide what level of commitment will be needed to complete the project in 2010/11.
When will existing library services be interrupted?
The schedule is being developed and will be made publicly available when it has been finalised.
When will the existing exhibitions in the Museum and Gallery be affected?
There is no intention to affect existing exhibitions, beyond a change of exhibition space.