A report to be received by the Whakatāne District Council’s Policy Committee on Thursday, 26 November recommends approval in principle to negotiate the sale of the little-used Awakeri War Memorial Hall.
Council Quality and Business Improvements Manager Julian Reweti’s report details the potential use of the hall property as a base for the development of a tourism venture featuring a world-class display of vintage trucks and vehicles, a café and other activities, subject to stakeholder feedback and successful property sale negotiations.
“Following an approach from Mr Barry Caulfield, the owner of the adjoining property, the Council has taken legal advice on the possibility of a sale, which indicates that divestment is possible, providing any proceeds from the sale are used for the benefit of the Awakeri community,” Mr Reweti says. “An evaluation of the condition of the building and its use for community purposes also confirms that the annual maintenance costs far outweigh the revenue it generates and, if it is retained, ratepayers will face significant costs to bring it up to the required earthquake strength and address foundation and septic tank issues.”
Use of the hall has been affected by the availability of the nearby Awakeri Events Centre. Revenue from hall users totalled just $1,000 in 2014/15, compared to operating and routine maintenance costs of more than $7,000.
Mr Reweti says an initial earthquake assessment also indicates that the hall will require significant strengthening work in the foreseeable future, with costs likely to be in excess of $400,000. If that work is undertaken, it would also trigger a need to upgrade the septic tank system, part of which extends onto Mr Caulfield’s property.
“The south-western corner of the building also requires re-piling to address sinking foundations. In view of the limited use of the facility, the potential liability it represents for ratepayers, the availability of the Events Centre for community use and the fact that the venture proposed for the property will strengthen the area’s economic base, the logic supports the proposed divestment,” he says.
“However, there are a number of issues to be overcome, including the relocation of the Awakeri Scouts Den, which is also located on the property. The hall is also a dedicated War Memorial to those from the area who lost their lives in World Wars One and Two, so any divestment would have to ensure that the sanctity of the War Memorial was retained, either on the existing site, or at a suitable site elsewhere in the Awakeri community.”
If the report recommendations are adopted, the Council will seek stakeholder feedback on the proposal and undertake negotiations for a potential sale. The outcomes of both processes would be reported to the Council on 17 December before any final decision is made.