REBECCA STEVENSON
Internal opposition to the proposed Hawke's Bay Museum and Art Gallery upgrade is increasing as Napier City Council starts debating the project's design and cost behind closed doors.
An extension of the Marine Parade facility is in the council's 10-year plan and concept drawings of a curved glass building were
presented to the public recently, with an estimated price of $14 million. Despite assurances from the council it was still early days in the project said Auckland architect Noel Lane, who is responsible for the concept drawings. He said at the October 29 meeting he would target central government funding rounds in February.
The speed with which the proposed redevelopment is proceeding has caused disquiet among some councillors, one of whom is circulating other options than a revamp at the Marine Parade site.
Council sources say councillor Tony Jeffery is promoting the museum move to a waterfront site, possibly where Marineland is at present. He has some support for his stance. One councillor said the council hadn't looked at all the options, including changed location and "maybe it was time to do that".
The councillor said the public hadn't greeted the plans with enthusiasm and there was concern a modern building in an Art Deco quarter was inappropriate.
A move to another site would mean the construction of a new building rather than building around and renovating the properties that make up the museum and art gallery.
Cost is another issue yet to be fully canvassed. A seminar for councillors will be held tomorrow and there is an expectation detailed prices t will come to light.
However, seminars are not open to the public, so any debate or costings are confidential.
While there are two camps emerging in the council, one in favour of redeveloping the Marine Parade properties and one supporting a move and new building, there are councillors who are going into tomorrow's meeting with an open mind.
The price tag will become all important for those sitting on the fence, with Napier's low rates a source of pride for the council.
"Everyone is a bit stand-offish at the moment, but tomorrow the guns will come out," said a council insider.
