​Council seeks public feedback for the Bruce Community Facility

Clutha District Council is seeking feedback on which option is best for Milton’s future, to help decide the extent of the Bruce Community Facility and the amount of funding to set aside towards it.

Council in conjunction with the Bruce Community Facility Committee have put forward two options, contribute to a Community Library and Pool Facility with 6 swimming lanes projected to cost 13M-14M or 8 six swimming lanes at $18M-$20M.

Clutha District Council Mayor Bryan Cadogan said this cornerstone facility was one of several projects programmed to transform the town, enabling Milton to maximise its potential, and lead the way in propelling the district as a vibrant area

to live, work and invest.

“The Bruce area is blossoming, with new subdivisions and growth, especially in the town of Milton.

“It has been a privilege to have worked with the Milton community over recent years, along with an enthusiastic group of locals, that have worked tirelessly on your behalf spearheading this project, advancing concepts and options for the Bruce

Community Facility complex.

“It is exciting to now come back to the community as promised with options and their related funding envelopes for your consideration,” Mayor Cadogan said.

It is proposed that the facility be joint funded from Bruce Community Facilities Committee fundraising efforts, Council rates funding via a loan that would be paid off via rates over 25 years, and Central Government funding (subject to confirmation from the Three Waters Better Off funding support package).

A ‘Feedback Wall’ will be hosted at the Tokomairiro Community Hub (61 Union Street ,Milton) where people are encouraged to talk with Bruce Community Facilities committee members about pool project specifics. There is also a drop in session there on 15 June 2022 from 1pm to 3pm.

Council is also holding information sessions on 20 June 2022 at Milton Country Club (51 Union Street, Milton), 12pm to1.30pm or 6.30pm to 8pm.

The public have till July 7 to provide their feedback which can be done online at Council’s website www.cluthadc.govt.nz/council/consultation

The Bruce Community Facility will provide a new multi-purpose facility that will offer a range of services all year round. From swimming lessons, competitions and aquatic play through to digital help, library programmes, celebrating local history and access to information, this facility will offer a central point for people to connect.

Mayor Cadogan said he new building would also make a significant contribution to the ongoing upgrade of Union Street by providing a focal point on Milton’s main thoroughfare.

During the 2019 Annual Plan consultation process the public approved a new Milton Pool/Service Centre and Library in a central location to benefit the whole community including elderly, rather than patching up the existing facilities. Council also acknowledged that the current pool has a large crack in it and was at the end of its life.

Since then the Bruce Community Facilities Trust and Committee was formed, working with Council and Calder Stewart to drive this project forward.

The Trust has since led further community consultation focussed on engaging with the community on their vision for the facility and had also been coordinating and undertaking community fundraising efforts for the facility, with a commitment to raise $2M towards this facility.

Further information and work has been completed for the community library component of the facility, with a spatial plan and designs created.

Unfortunately the supply challenges and inflation cost increases in the building industry from the COVID-19 pandemic have lifted the overall initial projected cost of the facility.