Hefty rent increase proposed for Cheviot Medical Centre
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Hurunui’s Deputy Mayor hopes a solution can be found to avoid a huge rent hike for the Cheviot Medical Centre.
The Hurunui District Council is proposing to raise the yearly rent it charges for the use of the medical centre building from $14,484.74 to $24,264.50 (excluding GST).
The building has been leased to the Cheviot Community Health Centre (2013) Ltd since 2017.
Deputy mayor Vince Daly said he is seeking answers from council staff why a rent increase of 67% is necessary for the community owned health centre, which serves a small rural population.
‘‘It has certainly got them talking at the medical centre. The last time the rent was raised it was 22%.
‘‘Some of the things you can see like rates and insurance you can’t help, but we need to see more information on why some of the other costs are increasing.’’
Daly said he is meeting with the health centre and council staff to seek a solution.
Under the lease agreement, the rent is based on covering the council’s costs, rather than charging the full market rental rate.
In a budget prepared for the Cheviot Community Committee to consider, council staff cite cost increases in staff wages, contractors' fees, rates, insurance and the maintenance of a new Cheviot helipad.
The building was originally the Cheviot Hospital, which was sold in 1978 by the North Canterbury Hospital Board to the then Cheviot County Council.
The original Cheviot Hospital opened in 1927.
The Cheviot Community Committee will consider the proposal at its next meeting on November 21.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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New Amberley cricket ground gets green light
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley is set to get a new cricket ground, despite some community opposition.
The Hurunui District Council approved plans to allow the development of the Amberley Village Green (formerly Eastern Reserve), to the east of the town centre, which will include a cricket ground, at a council meeting on Tuesday, November 26.
Around 120 submissions favoured the development of recreation in the reserve over a cricket ground, during the council’s recent reserve management plan consultation.
At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors approved a plan to install an irrigation system, with water sourced from a submersible bore pump.
Staff have been authorised to tender for the development of a playing surface, excluding the wicket block which will be developed by the Amberley Cricket Club.
A pathway around the perimeter of the reserve and public toilets will also be developed.
A cricket ground was first mooted for the reserve a decade ago when the land was set aside by the developer.
A budget of about $900,000 has been set aside, with 90% from development contributions.
An updated concept plan tabled at the meeting makes provision for other sports and activities such as basketball, a scooter track, a playground and car parking.
Several councillors expressed reservations about the proposed size of the cricket ground.
Councillor Garry Jackson said proposed the cricket ground was close to international standard and could be reduced by 20 percent and still be ‘‘appropriate as a village green club cricket ground’’.
While she acknowledged Jackson’s concerns, councillor Pauline While said the council needed to move forward, and councillor Fiona Harris said the cricket club had been ‘‘patient for long enough’’.
Councillor Robbie Bruerton said ‘‘it is being talked about as if it is only going to be used for cricket, but it can by used for any sport’’.
Councillor Vanessa McPherson voted against the proposal as she said the process had been ‘‘undemocratic’’ in the beginning.
‘‘I am concerned there is not enough funds for a decent children’s playground. I am angry and frustrated by this. It is so unfair.’’
Earlier in the meeting Amberley ratepayer John Weyers urged councillors to vote against establishing another cricket ground.
He said cricket is already being played at the Amberley Domain and ‘‘there is no reason why cricket and football cannot co-exist’’.
While there had been a dispute between the cricket and football clubs, he believed it has now been resolved.
‘‘Amberley is growing and we have an ageing population and a growing number of young families, but we are lacking spaces for recreation.’’
Councillors noted there has been confusion about the name of the new reserve, between the Village Green and the Eastern Reserve.
Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said ‘‘Village Green’’ was the name put forward by the council’s south ward committee.
Dobbie said the council’s reserve management plan will be presented to councillors at a future meeting for adoption.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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