Civic Investment Summary

38 comments for Civic Investment.

Summary of Civic Investment Feedback from Nelson City Council Submissions

Key Themes:

1. Library Development:
2. Support for New Library: A significant number of submissions express strong support for the development of a new library, emphasizing its potential as a cultural and community hub, similar to successful examples in Christchurch and Blenheim. Proponents argue that a new library could revitalize the city center, attract more visitors, and serve as a community gathering space.

3. Opposition to New Library: Some residents feel that the current library is adequate and that funds should be allocated elsewhere. Concerns include the belief that library users do not significantly contribute to local commerce and that the investment in a new library may not be justified given the functionality of the existing facility.

4. Civic House Concerns:

5. Support for New Civic Space: There is a call for the development of a new civic space that could integrate multiple community services, including the library. Supporters believe this could enhance service delivery and community engagement.

6. Satisfaction with Current Civic House: A few submissions argue that the current Civic House is structurally sound and adequate for current needs, suggesting that funds could be better used elsewhere.

7. Economic and Community Impact:

8. Economic Revitalization: Many submissions highlight the potential economic benefits of investing in civic infrastructure, suggesting that such investments could stimulate local business, attract investment, and enhance the overall attractiveness of Nelson as a place to live and work.

9. Community and Cultural Benefits: Submissions frequently mention the role of civic investments in fostering community connections, supporting cultural activities, and providing inclusive spaces for all residents.

10. Sustainability and Future-Proofing:

11. Climate Resilience: Several respondents emphasize the importance of designing new facilities to be resilient to climate change and environmentally sustainable, suggesting adherence to Green Star ratings and considering future climate challenges like sea level rise.

12. Diverse Opinions on Location and Integration:

13. Centralization vs. Decentralization: Opinions vary on whether civic facilities should be centralized or decentralized. Some advocate for a central hub that includes multiple services, while others suggest spreading out services to different parts of the city to enhance accessibility and reduce congestion.
14. Integration of Services: There is a notable support for integrating the library with other civic services, which some believe could lead to cost savings and improved service delivery. However, others caution against combining too many services in one location, which could complicate access and usage.

Recommendations:

1. Proceed with Caution on New Library: Given the strong support but also notable opposition, further analysis could be beneficial. Consider conducting a cost-benefit analysis and exploring funding models that minimize the financial impact on residents.
2. Community Consultation: Engage in broader community consultation to gauge the full spectrum of needs and expectations regarding the library and civic house. This could include workshops, surveys, and public forums.
3. Sustainability Focus: Ensure that any new development adheres to high environmental standards and is designed with future climate scenarios in mind.
4. Economic Impact Analysis: Conduct a detailed study on the potential economic impacts of the civic investments, including potential boosts to local businesses and job creation.
5. Explore Phased Approaches: Consider phased or modular developments that allow for adjustments and expansions as community needs evolve and funding becomes available.

By addressing these recommendations, the Nelson City Council can make informed decisions that balance the diverse needs and opinions of its residents while strategically planning for the future of the community.

Comment	Point ID
The current Civic House is structurally sound. Look at the documentation from when the building was built, and the extremely thorough processes that were gone through to ensure its soundness. In my view the Chief Executive has not complied with the requirements of the Local Government Act in respect of council giving accurate and transparent information (with regard to Civic House). Instead, his statements as quoted in the Nelson Mail seem to have been promoting an agenda. We need the Chief Executive and the Councillors to take a 15% pay cut, and share in the pain they are inflicting on those who are struggling to pay their mortgages and feed, clothe and care for their families. The CEO and councillors have lost touch with ordinary people.	28.10
It is disappointing to see the proposals for a library re-development have disappeared. Libraries can be extraordinary places (see for example Christchurch and Blenheim's examples) and not simply a 'place for books to sit on shelves'.  I understand the library is the most highly used council facility, or at least nearly so.  Libraries are cultural hubs of learning, meeting and community engagement.  Books are a part of that but not the full picture.  It seems a few noisy opponents (who may or may not even make use of library facilities) have caused the Council to cease those plans.  I hope that the Council will regain the courage to start that discussion again.	72.10
Please consider Nelsons demographics and don't pander to fringe group philosophy.  Nelson needs ALL its car parks otherwise no shopping.  All services should be user pays and use pop up shops for services. PS (NO library now).	155.10
It is a massive shame that a new Library building has disappeared from the Council agenda.  If you look into what the new library has done for Christchurch, the revenue they make, how many people visit you would see the potential we have for Nelson.  It is a shame the council listened to the loudest voice rather than thinking strategically and socially about what is best for the community.	164.10
The project would also be significantly cheaper, at around $20 million, than other proposed projects by the council with more benefits. The councils proposed $90 million community hub for example would create few long term jobs and provide no benefit to the economy. A gondola would create a significant amount of direct jobs and indirect and could be the boost Nelson need, with mountain biking becoming ever more popular and the potential to add tens of millions of dollars to the economy every year.	206.11
Civic House and the Elma Turner Library - NCC has my full support in transitioning out of Civic House and including the development of a new civic space/library into that process	412.12
Civic Investment.  I believe that this is urgent and key to reinvigorating the City.  Ideally the library, art centre , Community centre, Council building should be housed in the same building as a community focus.	472.10
I also support the idea of the proposed community hub (council and library building) - but it needs adequate and sustainable investment and a focus on the community/library aspect of the hub.	500.10
the proposal for a new library and civic centre to revitalize the city centre is a waste of rate payers money.  People that use the library do not spend money. The current library is fit for purpose and of acceptable standard.	613.10
You sure did pack a lot into "Additional Comments"... Where to begin:  Civic investment - Whatever you do, these two projects need to be built with climate adaptation and mitigation in mind. Spaces that can support future weather - rain, heat, fire, floods and droughts, healthy interior spaces that efficiently support human life in a changing world.  Ideas like first floor spaces to survive flooding, fresh air mixing/filtration, fully electric heating/cooling, water, future looking spaces with adaptable uses for the changing requirements of city government and knowledge sharing. These spaces don't have to be complex or overly bespoke either to accomplish this, off site construction, modular walls or volumes of space can provide sustainable easy to assemble solutions. The library especially will become more about physical connection, knowledge sharing and a place to receive a free 'education' to the worlds writings, trainings and tools in a world changing quickly in the times of AI.	773.10
****Civic investment  This is a massive project for council to undertake, however there is no need to replace the Library at this stage. To consider combining Council Offices and Library into a Civic centre seems over the top for our city.  The biggest problem here would be trying to find enough land (in a suitable location) where to put it.  There would be the additional cost of land purchase.	828.10
The library - don't forget the library.  Really needs a long term vision for the library with community facilities etc.. Libraries with community facilities can be the heart of a community	851.7
PAGE 40 CIVIC INVESTMENT Make/Shift Spaces supports the thoughtful examination of Civic House and the Elma Turner Library's future, but the recent Summit in March underscored the urgency of Civic Investment to inspire confidence among investors and developers. This investment is crucial for fostering the development of housing, apartments, and commercial ventures, including the adaptive reuse of historic buildings, which is vital for the city's long-term revitalisation. Make/Shift Spaces are very keen to see a direction on these issues sooner rather than later. Doing nothing is not an option! A new generation Library Civic Centre that houses Council will be an investment for existing and future generations.	872.3
Civic Buildings I understand the Elma Turner Library is good for another 10 years. I agree that a replacement building in the central city incorporating a community hub should be budgeted for. I request within this budget, and within about a year, a satellite community library at Atawhai be set up in rented premises near the shop. This would take the pressure off Elma Turner and, being with walking or biking distance for most of North Nelson, would enable children to borrow books independently and elderly or other “shut-ins” to connect with each other locally. This decentralising approach (sometimes called quarter hour paradise or 15 minute city) builds a sense of neighbourhood community, important when cut off from the centre by landslides, at the same time as reducing emissions. If this community library, partly staffed by local volunteers, proves popular, the premises should be purchased. I do not agree that the new central city library should be attached to or in any way connected with the new Civic House, that is clearly needed to house all of Nelson City Council’s staff. The inevitable amalgamation of Nelson with Richmond needs to be foreseen in this 10 year plan, and Nelson CBD is not central within that context. Probably the new Civic House should be located in Stoke. Please separate the Civic House budget from the Central Library budget.	878.3
Civic Investment NPHS Te Waipounamu supports the review of options for Civic House and the Elma Turner Library. NPHS Te Waipounamu understands that there will be considerable consultation on the topic in future (including the next LTP in 3 years' time) as options get formalised. In the 2021- 2031 LTP a Library Precinct Redevelopment was proposed to be built to Green Star 5 ratings and be built as a climate change-resilient building. NPHS Te Waipounamu recommends that these standards continue to be in the forefront of all plans going forward. Sea level rise will also need to be factored in as previously commented on, with consideration of NCC’s Coastal Inundation maps. In 2022, we engaged with NCC on the project exploring the development of a new library/hub. We provided written feedback to NCC in August 2022. This feedback was developed from conversations with staff across the health system and included health and wellbeing considerations. We recommend the detail of this feedback is considered early on in this project. We are happy to provide the feedback again on request.   Support in principle  Recommend new developments are built to: - Green Star 5 rating  -Climate change resilient universal design standards  Engage NPHS-Te Waipounamu early in the development of this project.	887.8
28. Hospitality NZ also has a number of specific comments concerning the Council’s Long-Term Plan. (ii) CBD Investment and Revitalisation We are actively involved in the various groups which look at CBD development and specific matters, such as the recent City Revitalisation Summit, and the ongoing City Centre Business Forum. We actively support the work of NCC in developing and improving civic facilities for the benefit of residents and tourists, in supporting a positive business environment, and in marketing the city and all it has to offer. Discussion needs to focus on short term wins in the early part of the 10 year plan; operating a small business, especially in hospitality, is becoming less viable which is a huge risk to overall city wellbeing. Any developments that support small business survival in the short term need to be high priority. This needs to include, for example, ease of access and parking so that people are encouraged to visit and stay for longer periods.	952.12
- CITY REVITALISATION ….       This is a top priority and commercial owners desperately need help.       If they die Nelson will die  !       What ESSENTIAL EXPENDITURE is planned for this over the next 3 years?       The recent meeting of interested parties (there have been many in past years with       little to show for it) must be followed up with action and better communication strategies.       This must be regarded as an ESSENTIAL expenditure item and proceeded with without delay. - CIVIC HOUSE ….       NOT ESSENTIAL so defer for 4-10 year LTP time frame. - ELMA TURNER LIBRARY …..       Only ESSENTIAL EXPENDITURE to keep the Library operating and defer for       4-10 year LTP time frame.	959.13
Civic Investment Please see the current situation section of this submission, as it outlines the reasons for spending and action on this project. This project – a combined civic centre/multi-purpose library/multi-use community hub that may have mixed use of retail, commercial offices, housing and/or hospitality and performing arts and arts hub – should be on an aggressive path to completion. Twenty-Two consulting has provided the financial imperative for this, council has already provided the vast preponderance of funding, the public has shown through the What If Space and the City Revitalisation Summit that this is an essential project for our community. What we need now is for our politicians to show the political vision, will and courage to lead on this project. Each day we delay is the more money it will cost, or the less we will get for our money.  The scope of this project should be expanded, versus its initial funding allocations during the last mayoral administration. Complementary funding sources should be explored, mixed usage models evaluated, and trial engagements and activations of the space accelerated (such as the current Arts Hub on Hardy St, the AI Sandbox, etc). There is much that needs to be done and time is being wasted. Which means money is being wasted. Time is money and the more time we take the more money it will cost. Our forebearers in the 1800s invested heavily, and with insight, in the life of the mind (gallery, school system, institutes, Cawthron, museum, performance hall, conservatory,  library – leading the nation on most). We need to be worthy successors to them, with equal gimlet-eyed vision, and the same level of courage and ambition for our community that they evinced in much tougher times than we have now. The What If Space report recaps ideas supporting the library project, and/or the library/civic centre so frequently, that it is one of the most supported projects in the report, and some 10 percent of all submissions refer to it directly of obliquely. The people are waiting for action, and have been for over 10 years on this project – back when Aldo Miccio was mayor. Clearly, the community supports moving forward with this project, and see it as essential to the transformation of our CBD. The Twenty Two consulting  business case report provides objective expertise and data that supports and augments this view. What exactly are we waiting for? Our last purpose-built library was built almost 115 years ago. Isn’t it time?  Why can so many other communities (many with fewer resources than Nelson) do this (Ashburton, Picton, Blenheim, Rolleston, etc) but Nelson can’t?  I would argue that it is a failure of council to act with alacrity and decisiveness. The bold decision to provide funding has already been made. Adjust the budget to cover the added scope of the project and get on with it. We need a start date and an end date.  The end date – completion of the project – should be no later than early 2028.  We have already squandered 3 years. This is poor stewardship. Council has voted for the elements of this project before and allocated the money. It is time to deliver on your commitments and stop stalling this project. The future doesn’t get any cheaper, but getting mired in the past clearly costs us more. Act NOW!	982.11
We know that Nelson is competing with other cities and towns for business investment and talent. A dynamic urban area is an important aspect of attracting people and business growth. We support investment in a new civic centre for the City as a significant catalyst for city revitalization, economic stimulus, and to prepare Nelson for the next 100 years. It is clear that Civic House is no longer fit for purpose and the cost of a refit appears to be excessive. The library is constrained on its current site and is not delivering what is possible for a contemporary library proposition. We believe that NCC should take the opportunity to sell that property and use those funds in conjunction with money allocated for the library and invest in a Civic Hub that befits the capital city of the region.  We would urge that this is done sooner rather than later as we all know from experience, nothing will ever cost less than it does today.	985.8
Civic House and Library We know that Nelson is competing with other cities and towns for business investment and talent. A dynamic urban area is an important aspect of attracting people and business growth. We support investment in a new civic centre for the City as a significant catalyst for city revitalization, economic stimulus, and to prepare Nelson for the next 100 years. It is clear that Civic House is no longer fit for purpose and the cost of a refit appears to be excessive. The library is constrained on its current site and is not delivering what is possible for a contemporary library proposition. We believe that NCC should take the opportunity to sell that property and use those funds in conjunction with money allocated for the library and invest in a Civic Hub that befits the capital city of the region.  We would urge that this is done sooner rather than later as we all know from experience, nothing will ever cost less than it does today.	985.15
I also support the Civic project to create a central civic space/library as a hub for the city. Like the library in Chch. This needs to be deisgned in a way that has spaces/facilities for all ages and be more than just a traditional library.	1038.11
Do not build a new civic centre for the region this would be an unnecessary duplication with minimal added value to the wider region - there is an existing one in Richmond at TDC. I support NCC and TDC merging and right-sizing projects for the combined population of both districts. It is evident that Nelson-Tasman is now lagging behind smaller centres such as Blenheim and Timaru in the quality and quantity of community facilities.	1050.9
Council Offices leave where they are as all set up with reception, Council chamber etc. including a bike stand for staff.	1072.15
I strongly support the proposed investment into a Civic and Community Hub, two long awaited and necessary projects brought together to create scale and density of activity makes a lot of sense. A commitment here would be a game changer for the city.  Whilst I recognise the process being followed, I urge Council to move swiftly to provide direction and confidence to the city through backing a firm proposal. The sooner work starts here, the faster the benefits can be realised for the community. During my travels to other centers, I am constantly reminded just how much we miss out on as a community with our inadequate library and civic space. We know how much these assets add to the vibrancy of a city. Our existing venues work so hard for Nelson that we can take confidence in how much this will return for us. Co-locating Civic House within such a facility or precinct would make the Council more accessible and connected to the community it serves. Civic House is familiar territory for some but impenetrable for others. The sooner we establish a modern and fit for purpose facility, the better off we'll all be for it. The impact on rates of such a decision is minor, especially when compared with the gains. Through good decision-making Council has the headroom and capacity to do this project properly. The biggest cost is continuing to do nothing.	1075.10
Sell Civic House to a developer who commits to turning it into apartments.  Build a new library and Civic House/City Hub and fund the new library so it can be open at night and give people a place for connection and the opportunity to engage in public life after work/school that isn’t a bar or a pub. Check out the attachment.	1077.5
I support the formerly proposed library concept, particularly if integrated as part of new offices for Council preferably around the NMIT area of the CBD	1106.9
Civic Investment The Nelson Youth Council as a whole supports the redevelopment of Civic House. With the lack of safety and outdated systems, it is ultimately time to move to a better space. We would also like to see the library combined with the new Civic House as we support the cost-effectiveness of this approach and believe that this could create a strong, modern community hub. This new building should be as central in Nelson as possible, similar to the current Civic House, so it can be accessed as easily as possible by people across Nelson. Some features we would like to see in the new Civic House/Library are: - Space for environmental initiatives/plantlife such as a climbing plant wall or rooftop gardens. - Space for community artwork to be seen at a large scale. A structure that represents Nelson’s diverse cultural communities with specific homage shown to our large refugee settlements whether through art or architecture. We would also want the spaces of the previous Civic House and library to be used for more housing in order to lower the cost of housing in the city centre and provide space for more people.	1147.4
2. civic house. Can the council consider a multi purpose building whereby the the library and council chambers are in one multi story building? I refer to the new rolleston library as an example of this.	1153.11
I fully support the Council leaving the existing budget in this Long Term Plan for the essential library and civic building project.  I also fully support the Council continuing to progress the Bridge to Better project with funding in this LTP. Both these projects offer fit-for-the-future infrastructure for both the city's and our people's economic and cultural wellbeing.	1201.6
Civic investment and Bridge to Better both sound like they make sense	1221.12
10 Please correct factual error I submit that there should be the correction of a factual error On page 40 it is stated that Council bought it’s current Office building from NZ Post. That is factually wrong. It was me who bought the building from NZ Post – and passed it on to the Council at no profit. This is possibly only a small matter, but I want “history” to be correct I ask that the words “from NZ Post“ be deleted.	1225.14
Please build a new Library for Nelson City. A huge investment was made by the council to consult and develop the idea. In the last local government election cycle the new Library was killed off as too expensive. The city needs to invest in the social infrastructure to develop and foster a strong connected community.	1228.12
We need a new library. This has been postponed for decades. Libraries provide essential services for vulnerable people and our current buildings don't cut it.	1264.9
5. I would like Council to make the pending property advisory company Civic Investment report made public after its completion and allow the public to decide whether the Civic Investment is to progress.	1426.5
5. I would like Council to make the pending property advisory company Civic Investment report made public after its completion and allow the public to decide whether the Civic Investment is to progress.	1428.6
New Library 34. Wakatu supports the Civic Hub proposal and it is Wakatu’s view that the Council should show leadership by investing in the CBD. It is of some concern that Nelson has failed to invest in its City Centre when other local communities have invested in Civic infrastructure and are now reaping the dividends. Motueka saw library usage increase by 35% with the opening of Te Noninga Kumu and Blenheim has reported library visitor numbers more than doubling since it opened Te Kahu o Waipuna. 35. At the same time Nelson’s Elma Turner library was partially closed and beset by a succession of building issues. It is understood that these repairs were made on the basis of extending the lifespan of the existing building by 5-10 years (Nick Smith, Stuff, 17/1/24). If this is the case the community needs to settle on a plan now to ensure that a suitable long term solution can be actioned within this time period. 36. Wakatū is disappointed that the previous proposal to construct a new library as part of the Mahitahi Precinct was back-tracked on by this Council citing sea-level rise and cost concerns. It is noted that the budget for this project remains in the LTP and the SLR risk and associated engineering to address it is probably better understood at this location than any other city centre site. 37. Wakatū fully support the Council in investment in a new Civic Hub to provide a suitable base for community and Council activities and it would support the Council to formulate a plan for this as a priority, in order that the project can progress within the necessary time frame.	1445.5
Civic investment and ‘bridge to better’ I support strongly the council’s apparent direction here. We need a more attractive Nelson CBD cityscape, with civic meeting places, library and arts hub that we can be proud of. But why would a more detailed examination of this critical issue not be included in this consultation and be handled instead offline through a private property advisory company? What about a public design competition for how the Trafalgar / Halifax corner and riverfront could be redeveloped for example.	1479.10
I strongly support the allocation of funding towards a new library, council offices and community hub. Central Nelson is looking tired and desperately needs significant civic investment to both rejuvenate the city and to be a catalyst for private investment. Further commentary is provided in the following opinion piece published in The Nelson Mail on 06/08/22: https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/opinion/300654885/opinionmuch-to-be-excited-about-with-new-library-project	1491.5