The purchase of a prominent set of commercial properties in Marton to develop into a council services facility has been given the go-ahead by councillors.
Rangitikei District Council will buy the Cobbler/Davenport/Abraham & Williams buildings on the corner of High St and Broadway for $170,000. It will also set aside $50,000 for a heritage assessment of the buildings. The council's intention is to turn the site into a one-stop-shop for council administration and library services, and for the current council building and library - both on High St - to be sold with proceeds going to the new centre. During deliberations on annual plan submissions last week, councillor Lynne Sheridan was concerned the council was only buying the building because of its "bargain basement price".
"Are we buying it because of its bargain basement price or are we buying it because it's the right place to buy? I don't think it is the right place to buy."
Bulls councillor Tim Harris was strongly against the purchase, saying council could not afford it. He cited a projected increase in council debt and an agricultural and retail recession as reason not to spend money on the site. "Let's not kid ourselves that it's all rosy in rural communities," he said. "We are a pretty well-run council now, let's keep it that way."
But mayor Andy Watson said the project was about providing services and earthquake legislation would force it to upgrade some facilities. "We do not have an option."