10 per cent budget blow out forecast for Ashburton library and civic centre build
From local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
Ashburton’s new library and civic centre is facing a $5.6 million budget blowout, but ratepayers won’t have to pay any more.
That’s the assurance from Ashburton mayor Neil Brown, who’s confirmed a 10% budget overrun has been forecast for the $56.75m library, Te Pātaka o kā Tuhituhi, and civic centre, Te Waharoa a Hine Paaka.
“It won’t cost the ratepayers anymore as we have the $20m of [Government] shovel-ready money, exactly for this purpose,’’ Brown said.
“To make sure the project progressed and to insulate against any Covid-related impacts and cost increases.”
Shovel-ready is a term to show that planning is complete for a project, approval permits are in place, and laborers can get to work with sufficient funding secured.
The original library and civic centre project budget, set after public consultation in 2019, was $51.6m. But the council then secured a $20m Government shovel-ready grant in 2020, with an additional $5m contingency added in 2021 because of the uncertainties around the impacts of Covid-19.
Securing the Government shovel-ready funding meant that the council’s input figure dropped from $56.75m to $36.75m, with essentially a $20m contingency added to what it had planned to fund.
“The ratepayer will be paying no more than what we consulted on when we started the project,” Brown stressed.
“It won’t affect the ratepayer at all, and we are just thankful we have that shovel-ready contribution from the Government.”
The only way it would cost more is if the budget ballooned past $71m for a project originally scheduled for completion in October 2022 but now set to open by the end of this year.
The new building should be finished at the same time as the renovation of Baring Square East.
“We’re very disappointed that the cost has risen, but anyone undertaking a build in this current climate has experienced similar difficulties,” Brown said.
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
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59.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
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25.8% No, individuals should take responsibility
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14.4% ... It is complicated
Poll: Do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? ☔⚠️
As reported in the Press, the same low-pressure system that lashed the North Island over the weekend is now making its way south, bringing heavy rain and strong winds with it. It’s a soggy start to the week for many of us.
With more wild weather on the cards, we’re curious: do you have a go-to adverse-weather checklist for your family? Or are you more of a “grab the torches and hope for the best” household?
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44.4% Yes - we like to be prepared
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38.9% Nah
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16.7% This is on my to-do list!
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
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