We have been asked by several communities for financial support to develop community facilities.
Feedback and Decisions
What we asked about
We have been asked by several communities around the District for financial support in developing community facilities. People in these communities must travel long distances to reach similar services in other towns. In some cases, existing buildings have become unsafe, are not practical, or need further development.
The requested facilities are:
Waimea South Community Facilities (in Wakefield and Brightwater)
Motueka Swimming Pool
Tapawera Community Hub
Murchison Sport, Recreation, and Cultural Centre – Stage 2
We asked people about three options:
Invest in these facilities (our preferred option); or
Invest in some of these facilities but not others; or
Don’t invest in any of these facilities.
What we heard in submissions
We received over 820 submissions on Community Facility investments with the majority favouring our preferred option
Submitters told us that community facilities are valued for enhancing social cohesion, well-being, and resilience, particularly during emergencies. Feedback also advocated for equitable distribution across the District, accessible design for people with disabilities, and sustainable features like solar energy and rainwater capture. Engaging local communities and stakeholders in planning was recommended to ensure diverse needs are met and community ownership is fostered.
Not surprisingly, proximity to the planned facilities influenced support, with submitters generally favouring facilities closer to their homes. Concerns were raised about funding sources and timing, with suggestions for “user-pays” fees or targeted rates. Proper cost evaluation and maintenance planning were stressed by submitters to prevent unnecessary spending.
Feedback highlighted the need for maintaining existing facilities like the Richmond Aquatic Centre alongside new investments to ensure continuity of services and infrastructure longevity.
What we decided
Given the level of support for the community facilities developments, we decided to proceed with investing in them.
Some of the feedback advocated for work on the Murchison Sport, Recreation, and Cultural Centre – Stage 2 to commence earlier than indicated in the consultation. We opted to bring funding this project forward, commencing in 2028/2029. A thorough feasibility study with robust cost estimates will be necessary before that.
We support the sustainable design principles recommended by many submitters and will take this approach as much as we are able to within financial constraints.
The investment in these facilities will be funded by a contribution fundraised by the local community, with the balance funded by the Council. We can fund much of the Council’s contribution to the development of these facilities using Reserves and Community Services Financial Contributions (RFCs). This means that the cost of constructing these facilities will have little impact on rates.
The costs of operating the facilities will increase rates once they are open and this is included in the rates revenue estimates in Tasman’s 10-Year Plan.
What are the facilities developments in the Tasman’s 10-Year Plan 2024-2034?
Waimea South Community Facilities
The Waimea South Community Facilities project includes the construction of a new community facility at Wakefield Recreation Reserve, featuring an indoor three-quarter size court, performance space, meeting rooms, kitchen, and associated parking. Additionally, the plan involves upgrading the existing facilities at Brightwater Recreation Reserve, including new kitchen and toilet facilities, reconfiguring space for an indoor court, and improving the Wanderers Building with new changing and storage facilities. In Wakefield, concerns over seismic risks in the existing hall and the need to accommodate growth were prominent reasons cited in feedback for supporting new construction. Similarly, in Brightwater, ageing infrastructure and overdue renovations were stated as reasons to upgrade facilities.
These projects are scheduled to begin in 2025/2026 and be fully operational by 2027/2028. The projected costs for servicing debt and operating these facilities start at approximately $52,000 in 2026/2027 and are expected to rise to around $440,000 by 2033/2034 (adjusted for inflation).
Motueka Swimming Pool
This facility will be a central hub for aquatic activities, designed to cater to a diverse range of users, including children learning to swim, competitive swimmers, and those seeking hydrotherapy, and recreational swimmers. The planned pools include a six-lane, 25-metre main pool with spectator seating, a combined leisure and learn-to-swim pool, a warm water/hydrotherapy pool, a toddlers’ splash pad, and a spa pool. Submitters highlighted the inconvenience and environmental impact of travelling to Richmond for swimming. A site has been purchased at King Edward Street, Motueka, as a potential location for the Motueka Swimming Pool, with construction scheduled to commence in 2026 and the pool expected to open by 2028. Annual costs for servicing debt and operating the Motueka Swimming Pool are projected to begin at about $12,000 in 2026/2027 and increase to around $1.1 million (inflation-adjusted) by 2033/2034.
Tapawera Community Hub
The proposed Tapawera Community Hub is a grassroots initiative aimed at replacing the current community centre with a modern, purpose-built facility. This redevelopment intends to meet the evolving needs of the community by consolidating several services under one roof. In addition to housing the opportunities shop, the hub will serve as a central access point for visiting social and health services. The proposal includes smaller rooms for one-on-one appointments, a boardroom, and a larger space for workshops and functions. The ongoing funding of the hub will be supported by offering these spaces for community hire.
Demolition of the existing building is scheduled to begin in late 2024, with construction of the new facility starting in 2025. The costs associated with servicing debt and operating the hub will start at approximately $1,500 in 2025/2026 and are projected to increase to $172,000 (adjusted for inflation) by 2033/2034.
Murchison Sport, Recreation, and Cultural Centre – Stage 2
The Murchison Sport, Recreation, and Cultural Centre, established in 2008 and currently well-utilised by the community, is managed by an incorporated society. The existing facility offers a sports hall, function room, meeting room, and a fully equipped commercial kitchen, accommodating various activities such as indoor/outdoor sports, meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and private functions. The management committee has proposed a significant extension to address identified needs. The expansion plan includes the addition of office spaces, a community room, two squash courts, a fully equipped gym, unisex facilities, and new storage.
A needs analysis and feasibility study will be required and funding is planned from 2028/2029.
People in some communities currently have to travel long distances to reach similar services in other towns. In some cases, existing buildings have become unsafe, are not practical or need further development.
The requested facilities are:
Waimea South Community Facilities (in Wakefield and Brightwater)
Motueka Swimming Pool
Tapawera Community Hub
Murchison Sport, Recreation and Cultural Centre – Stage 2
Check out the details for what is planned for each facility at the bottom of this page.
Our preferred Option A
Invest in new and improved community facilities
We plan to invest in all these community facilities across the course of the 10-Year Plan.
The investment in these facilities would be funded by a contribution fundraised by the local community, with the balance funded by the Council.
We can fund much of the Council’s contribution to the development of these facilities using Reserves and Community Services Financial Contributions (RFCs). This means that the cost of building these facilities would have little impact on rates. However, the costs of operating the facilities would increase rates once they are open.
The rates and debt impacts of this option are included in our proposed Plan.
Investing in these facilities through RFCs contributes to the Council’s net debt level. However, RFCs are funds that must eventually be used once collected and the key choice that the Council has is how best to spend these funds.
*For this reason, the debt impact figures listed below, for all options, show just the rates funded debt associated with the facilities. Click here to see a breakdown of how we propose to fund these facilities.
Benefits
Costs
Improved services providing opportunities for communities to connect, socialise, learn and participate in a wide range of social, cultural, recreation, sport and arts activities.
Higher increase in rates, particularly from operating costs when new and improved community facilities start to operate.
Improved community resilience and coherence.
Higher Council debt levels, meaning there would be less capacity to borrow for other purposes.
Reduced need to travel to facilities located further from home – less time, activities would be more accessible.
Provide for volunteer opportunities.
Improves health – including mental health.
Positive impact on social and cultural well being.
Improved community safety through e.g. learning swimming and water skills.
Operational costs (10 years): $9.7 million
Capital costs (10 years): $41.9 million
Rates revenue impact:
Year 1: $0
Year 2: $6,814
Year 3: $0.1 million
Years 4 – 10: $9.6 million
To see the average rates impact per household/ business for each facility please see refer to alternative option B.
Debt impact:* $5.7 million at year 10
Effect on levels of service: ↑
Alternative Option B
Invest in some of the new and improved community facilities but not others
We could choose to invest in some of the new and improved community facilities and not others. This would help reduce the impact on the Council’s debt and rates increases.
Benefits
Costs
Helps to reduce rates increases and Council debt levels.
Depending on which community facilities projects are included, the benefits noted in Option A will be reduced or not provided in some communities.
Improved services will be provided in some communities where the facilities are built.
Waimea South Community Facilities rates impact:
Year 1: $0
Year 2: $5,394
Year 3: $0.1 million
Years 4 – 10: $2.6 million
This is equivalent to an average rates cost of $13 (incl GST) per household/business per annum from 2028/2029 when the full cost commences.
Debt impact:* $1.7 million at year 10
Motueka Swimming Pool rates impact:
Year 1: $0
Year 2: $0
Year 3: $11,640
Years 4 – 10: $5.8 million
This is equivalent to an average rates cost of $29 (incl GST) per household/business per annum from 2028/2029 when the full cost commences.
Debt impact:* $2.7 million at year 10
Tapawera Community Hub rates impact:
Year 1: $0
Year 2: $1,419
Year 3: $39,300
Years 4 – 10: $1.1 million
This is equivalent to an average rates cost of $6 (incl GST) per household/business per annum from 2028/2029 when the full cost commences.
Debt impact:* $0.3 million at year 10
Murchison Sport, Recreation and Cultural Centre – Stage 2 rates impact:
Year 1: $0
Year 2: $0
Year 3: $0
Years 4 – 10: $0.1 million
This is equivalent to an average rates cost of $6 (incl GST) per household/business per annum from 2033/2034 when the full costs commence.
Debt impact:* $1.0 million at year 10
Alternative Option C
Don’t invest in any of these community facilities
While many in our community have advocated for the new and improved community facilities, this is a discretionary area for our spending.
In a period where there are substantial cost pressures for us and the community, we could choose not to invest in new or improved community facilities over the next 10 years, delaying any rates impact from operating the facilities and helping offset net debt. However, we will still need to invest the accumulated RFC funds longer term either on these community facilities or others.
Benefits
Costs
Helps to reduce rates increases and our net debt levels.
The benefits noted in Option A are not provided.
Current services would be maintained.
The Waimea South Community Facilities includes a new community facility consisting of an indoor three quarter size court, performance space, meeting rooms, kitchen and associated car parking. This is proposed to be provided at Wakefield Recreation Reserve and would cater to community, recreation, theatre and arts groups.
This option also includes an extension/upgrade of the existing facility to better meet community needs at the Brightwater Recreation Reserve. An upgrade to the Brightwater Hall would include new kitchen and toilet facilities and reconfiguring the space to create an indoor court and entrance improvement. The Wanderers Building would also be enhanced with new changing and storage facilities.
These proposed projects are planned to commence in 2025/2026 and to be fully open in 2027/2028. The costs of servicing the debt and operating these facilities starts at about $52,000 in 2026/2027 increasing to around $440,000 by 2033/2034 (inflation adjusted).
These community facilities will provide accessible opportunities to engage in sport and recreation, arts and culture and a wide variety of community events. The Waimea South Facilities reflect an investment in social infrastructure which would promote connection throughout the community.
Benefits
Costs
Enhanced facilities meet a broader range of community needs.
Higher increase in rates, particularly from operating costs.
Facilities provide an opportunity for social and community connection.
Higher net debt levels, meaning there is less capacity for us to borrow for other purposes.
Increased accessibility and convenience for local residents.
The proposed Motueka swimming pool aims to address the town and wider area’s aquatic recreation needs for many years to come. Designed to cater to a diverse range of users, the facility would be a place for children developing water skills and learning to swim, competitive swimmers, those seeking hydrotherapy, and recreation for all. With the nearest public swimming pool located in Richmond, the introduction of this facility seeks to eliminate the time and travel costs, encouraging more frequent use by residents. The proposed pool offers significant social and health benefits to both residents and visitors.
The plan includes a six-lane, 25-metre main pool with spectator seating, a combined leisure and learn-to-swim pool, a warm water/hydrotherapy pool, a toddlers’ splash pad, a spa pool and associated amenities such as changing rooms and a reception area.
We have purchased a site at King Edward Street, Motueka which could be a potential location for the Motueka Swimming Pool.
Construction would commence in 2026, with the pool opening in 2028.
The annual costs of servicing the debt and operating the Motueka Swimming Pool commence at about $12,000 in 2026/2027 increasing to around $1.1 million (inflation adjusted) by 2033/2034.
Benefits
Costs
Fulfils a request that the community has sought for over a decade.
Higher increase in rates, particularly from operating costs.
Would provide social and health benefits to a wide range of users.
Higher net debt levels, meaning there is less capacity for us to borrow for other purposes.
Makes swimming more accessible and convenient to local residents.
Supports public health and safety with more opportunities for people to learn to swim.
The proposed Tapawera Community Hub is a grassroots initiative that would replace the current community centre and bring several services together under one roof. This redevelopment aims to create a contemporary, purpose-built facility, responsive to the changing needs of the community. The hub would offer a range of activities and events to foster social interaction, cultural diversity, and community cohesion. It would also provide a venue for local groups, clubs, and organisations to meet and collaborate.
As well as being a home to the opportunities shop, the hub would be a central access point to visiting social and health services. The proposal includes smaller rooms for one-on-one appointments, a boardroom, and a larger space for workshops and functions. The ongoing funding of the hub is further supported by having a range of spaces for community hire.
Demolition of the existing building is proposed to start in late 2024, with construction of the new facility beginning in 2025.
The costs of servicing the debt and operating this facility starts at about $1,500 in 2025/2026 increasing to $172,000 (inflation adjusted) by 2033/2034.
Benefits
Costs
Consolidated services under one roof would enhance efficiency and streamline access for the community.
Higher increase in rates, particularly from operating costs.
Provides a more functional space, better equipped to meet the diverse needs of residents.
Higher net debt levels, meaning there is less capacity for us to borrow for other purposes.
Social interaction and community connection is encouraged.
The demolition and new construction will mean a disruption of access for residents in the short term.
The spaces for hire create an ongoing revenue stream for the hub.
The Murchison Sport, Recreation, and Cultural Centre, established in 2008 and currently well-utilised by the community, is managed by an incorporated society. The existing facility offers a sports hall, function room, meeting room, and a fully equipped commercial kitchen, accommodating various activities such as indoor/outdoor sports, meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and private functions.
The management committee has proposed a significant extension to address identified needs. The expansion plan includes the addition of office spaces, a community room, two squash courts, a fully equipped gym, unisex facilities, and new storage. This extension aims to enhance the services and capabilities of the centre.
The proposed extension of the Murchison Sport, Recreation, and Cultural Centre would enhance its capabilities, providing the community with a more versatile space for sports, recreation, cultural activities, and community engagement. The presence of a fully equipped gym and squash courts would promote a healthy and active lifestyle for individuals and groups within the community.
We propose that funds would be available to start this project in 2032, however, a needs analysis and feasibility study would be required before any investment is made.
The costs of servicing the debt and operating these enhanced facilities start at about $1,000 in 2031/2032 increasing to around $90,000 (inflation adjusted) by 2033/2034.
Benefits
Costs
Significantly improves the current centre, catering to a broader range of community needs and activities.
Higher increase in rates, particularly from operating costs.
Positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of the community.
Higher Council debt levels, meaning there is less capacity to borrow for other purposes.
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