Green light given to masterplan for future building

A masterplan is to be developed around Taupo District Council's preferred site for its administration functions by the Great Lake Centre, and it will include provision for cultural, arts, and heritage facilities to replace Taupo Museum.

At last Thursday's first council meeting of the year, the Mayor and Councillors were unanimous in supporting the development of a plan that will consider what functions could or could not be included, what efficiencies can be made, and what opportunities can be capitalised on as part of a wider picture on where to establish the council's main office.

The planning will also consider how such a development could be funded, including the likelihood of attracting funding from external sources as had been done in other centres. It will be looking specifically at a development in the area of local purpose reserve fronting Story Place.

Mayor David Trewavas said the plan would also take the library and iSite facilities into account as well as replacement carparking if required. "Late last year we recognised an opportunity to take a good look at the wider picture and to do it once and do it right," he said.

"We think there is a real opportunity to develop a civic heart for Taupo and we want to gain a better understanding of the details, including likely cost, before we seek feedback from our community as it will be very much their journey as well as ours. The more information we can share to allow people to make an informed decision the better."

No further investigations into the other two favoured sites, the Tuwharetoa Street carpark and 72 Lake Terrace, will take place until the master plan is completed. It is hoped the preliminary investigations will be completed by the middle of the year, with community consultation on potential options soon after.

7 February 2018

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa NairneCommunications manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410