Ashburton pavilions to get makeover

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:

After years of negotiation, the Ashburton pavilion on Walnut Ave is now under council ownership.

The Ashburton District Council is also in the final stages of acquiring the domain oval pavilion, with the aim of revitalising the two community landmarks.

With the council taking responsibility for the dilapidated pavilions, ratepayers will pick up the bill for the maintenance and ongoing operational costs.

Council’s business support group manager Leanne Macdonald said the process has been ongoing for over three years.

“The work has only really progressed positively over the last 18 months.”

Both buildings are assets listed in the Ashburton Domain Development Plan adopted by the council in 2020, she said.

They’re are predominantly used by sport groups but also utilised by community groups.

The buildings had been run by community trusts.

“The trusts really only existed for the purpose of owning the buildings, and will dissolve when no longer needed, but it is fair to say that community interest in being on either trust had dwindled over recent years.

“With no community group to maintain them, it has fallen to council.
“The Walnut Avenue pavilion has been acquired already, but negotiations continue over the acquisition of the oval pavilion.”

The council has budgeted $150k for initial work on the Walnut Ave pavilion and repairs and maintenance has already begun, Macdonald said.

Further work will be scheduled over the next few years “to give the pavilion a good refresh”.

“The interior has been cleaned already and will be painted, lights will be upgraded and new carpet has been ordered. The exterior of the building will also be painted.

“The work is considered operational and the full refresh is expected to be achieved over the next few years, as budgets allow.”

Ownership transferred to the council on May 31 and signs were put up at the building explaining the change of ownership. The council has been in contact with the regular users, Macdonald said.

“We’re hoping to increase income from additional bookings once the building has been refreshed.”

Then there is the oval, which remains a work in progress.

There is $300,000 budgeted for repairs and maintenance but the council will not begin the work until it has reached an agreement on the ownership transfer, Macdonald said.

“The negotiations are sensitive and need to balance a good outcome for cricket and athletics in Mid Canterbury, against not spending too much ratepayer money.”