Where does the future lie for the Reefton Community Centre? The Reefton Community Centre theatre/cinema, sports hall/ gymnasium recently underwent a survey to determine their earthquake risk and fire protection - and were found to be in need of upgrading. While this is Council s responsibility, the Inangahua Community Board has been asked to make a recommendation on the future use of these buildings. We need your help to review the options we have come up with, and provide feedback.
Sports Hall/Gymnasium The Sports Hall/Gymnasium currently only meets 19% of the New Building Standards (NBS). To retain the building strenghtening work is required to bring it up to to 67% of the NBS, including the foyer and toilets, and an upgrade of the fire protection system is required. Some time ago, during the Inangahua Vision 2010 process, the Sports Hall/Gymnasium was recognised as not only a major sports facility but also the only venue in Reefton capable of hosting large community social events such as weddings, dances, balls, dinners etc. The interior is looking a little tired, and the lack of good heating is an issue. We are sure that there will be a number of other issues raised. We would like to hear from interested groups and individuals on what we need to look at on this side of the building to make it a better sports and community function facility. There is still some funding available from the Vision 2010 project that could be used for some of this work, along with any further funding that may come from Council for the revamp of our Community Centre - so now is the time to come forward with your ideas. What about the proposed multi-sports facility at the Racecourse? The Community Board has been shown an ambitious plan for a new multi-sports facility that could be built as an extension to the existing race course buildings or a brand new facility. The plans do not include any allowance for a performance theatre or a movie theatre. While the multi-sports facility is an exciting idea it is much more expensive. The indicative pricing is $2.3 million without a netball court and around $4.2million with a netball court. The Community Board does not see this proposal as an immediate alternative to the Community Centre and instead considers that the Council will need to look at this as part of its considerations for the new Ten Year Plan for the district. At this point the Community Board has not taken any position in respect of that proposal.
Theatre/Cinema Three options have been identified which will ensure the future of the Theatre/Cinema: Option 1: The Performance Theatre and Cinema remain, with no changes or improvements The cost is minimal, the option buys time but would not be a long term solution. The earthquake assessment stays low at 34% of the New Building Standard. Lift the fire protection by removing 160 seats from the back of the theatre to help meet the fire code requirements.
Option 2: The current Theatre building remains, with a new cinema built on the back Strengthen the Theatre/Cinema to 67% of the New Building Standard, and install fire protection. Build a separate 55 tiered seat cinema within the existing theatre (storage under). The performance half of the theatre downsizes to 160 original seats, retaining the stage area. Build the projection box into new cinema and remove the old projection box which hangs over the footpath.
Option 3: The Performance Theatre and Cinema remain, with an upgrade carried out Reduce the size of the Theatre/Cinema to two thirds of its current size, retaining the stage end and replace the heritage front. Strengthen Theatre/Cinema to 67% and install fire protection. Downsize the performance half of the theatre to 160 original seats, retaining stage area Add 3 rows of comfortable tiered seating into back of downsized Theatre/Cinema (about 30 seats). This option allows room for a foyer entrance upgrade and streetscape improvement. Include inbuilt projection box into the tiered seating area, with storage underneath. The screen will remain moveable or can be fixed to the back of the stage wall.
Considerations The fire protection survey requires the 400 seat theatre be greatly reduced, and this is reflected in all three options for the Theatre/Cinema. Council have budgeted $130,000 in 2015/2016 budget to cover the strengthening and fire protection costs of the sports hall, and indicated a further $350,000 in 2016/2017 towards a long term solution for the Theatre/Cinema. The Inangahua Community Board supports a long lasting solution, which will continue to fulfil the communities future needs - even if it takes several stages to achieve this. Project Updates will continue to be made through the Clarion as new information comes to hand and decisions are made. Please carefully consider the options provided. Your feedback and views will assist the Board in making an informed recommendation to Council. Submissions will be accepted on the form (over), or can be made by emailing or writing to Council. Email: lana@bdc.govt.nz Fax: (03) 788-8041 Post: Buller District Council, PO Box 21, Westport 7866 Deliver to: Council offices in Reefton or Westport. Submissions close Wednesday 20 May 2015. If you require further information please contact a member of the Inangahua Community Board, or visit the Reefton Service Centre. Draft floor plans of the proposed options can be viewed at the Service Centre, and are displayed on the doors of the Community Centre. We look forward to hearing from wide range of people from our community. Your Community Board: Jenette Hawes (Chair) (03) 732 8423 (021) 265 1557 jaws@kinect.co.nz Kim Bolton (027) 424 766 kimthecruiser@hotmail.com Councillor representatives: Dave Hawes (03) 732 8423 (021) 269 5643 jaws@kinect.co.nz Helen Bollinger (03) 732 8123 (022) 044 2467 helbol@kinect.co.nz Barrie Fowler (027) 404 8793 bjf.icb@hotmail.co.nz Graeme Neylon (03) 732 8382 (027) 447 4371 graememaimai@xtra.co.nz
Submission Form Reefton Community Form your thoughts & ideas please! Submitters details: Name Organisation Address Phone (home) (mobile) Email Theatre/Cinema: There are 3 options being consulted on. Which option do you support? Option 1: The Performance Theatre and Cinema remain, with no changes or improvements. Option 2: The Performance Theatre building remains, with a new Cinema built on the back. Option 3: The Performance Theatre and Cinema remain, with an upgrade carried out. Comments... Sports Hall/Gymnasium: What are your ideas on upgrading the Sports Hall/Gymnasium? Comments... Thank you for your feedback Submissions must be received by: Wednesday 20 May 2015