Support for Rototuna

The Te Awamutu Library which the Hamilton City Council is basing the Rototuna Town Hall.

Rototuna is one step closer to getting a community centre after council approved $18 million to be put towards its development in the 10 year plan.

The money will go towards building and operating a community hub with a library, meeting space and a carpark, but residents will have to pay if they wish to stay longer than two hours.

Preparation of a procedure for the selection of a private partner to construct and operate a 25m swimming pool is also included in the plan, but not part of the $18 million.

The Te Awamutu library and community centre has been looked at as an example of what Rototuna could expect.

Mayor Andrew King said the town centre is something the community has been waiting for years to be constructed.

"For decades this council has talked and promised Peacocke's, turning the city around and building community amenities," Mr King said.

"Let's stop talking the walk and let's walk the walk. Let's do this."

Councillor James Casson backed the mayor's message, saying the community had waited long enough.

"Hamilton Ratepayers are going to be hit twice," Mr Casson said.

"This is something we have promised for a very long time and it will be very well used."

Councillor Siggi Henry said the centre will help the diverse community in Rototuna come together.

"In Rototuna there are a lot of immigrants living there. There will be a community hub and a library where they can meet other people," Ms Henry said.

"In today's world communities do not happen over the fence anymore."

Councillor Garry Mallett was split on the project, with mixed feelings over how council was proceeding with it.

"I'm really supportive of the project and really non-supportive of how we are going about it."

"I think this is something the private sector should be doing and the private sector can make a bomb out of it."

"The only reason we can do this is because we have an unlimited source of income and that is our poor old ratepayer."

Councillor Leo Tooman said the town centre is too close to the current shopping centre.

"We are looking at $18 million to build a car park and a library," Mr Tooman said.

"I just query how many supermarkets we need and how many takeaway shops we need."

Councillor Dave Macpherson deflected Mr Tooman's criticism saying this is different from the shopping centre.

"There are a lot of commercial outfits out there but this is completely different and will get a different outcome," Mr Macpherson said.

Councillor Mark Bunting and Rob Pascoe both were supportive of the building but asked council to learn a lesson from the time it has taken to get talks underway.

"I would issue a warning as we head to more developments in Peacocke's that we manage expectations a little bit better or deliver a bit more quickly," Mr Bunting said.

Mayor Andrew King, Deputy Mayor Martin Gallagher and councillors Angela O'Leary, Macpherson, Casson, Bunting, Geoff Taylor, Henry, Paula Southgate voted in favour.

Councillors Mallett and Tooman voted against.