As promised when Council first consulted on the Bruce Community Facility, if there was a significant change to any of the key components of this project we would return for further discussions and direction from you.
Vision: To develop a vibrant, contemporary multipurpose community facility which fosters an appreciation for a healthy, balanced and enriched lifestyle.
The Bruce Community Facility is being designed as a place for everyone. Families and individuals of all ages and backgrounds from throughout the wider Bruce area will have a much-needed new multi-purpose facility that will offer a huge 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.
The new building will also make a significant contribution to the ongoing upgrade of Union Street by providing a focal point on Milton’s main thoroughfare, encouraging increased foot traffic to surrounding businesses and other services.
Integral to the development of this project is its community-led, partnership approach. Council and the Bruce Community Facility Trust are crucial to its success.
This proposed facility is intergenerational, to meet the community needs now, and into the future, for the next 50 years.
We asked which was your preferred option:
- Option 1: Contribute to a community library and pool facility with six swimming lanes ($19.4M)
- Option 2: Stop the project, and no longer proceed with the new library and pool facility
Construction of the Bruce Community Facility to proceed
Clutha District Council will proceed with the construction of the Bruce Community Facility, a new community library and pool facility including a six-lane swimming pool.
At the Council Meeting on 5 December 2024 Council also agreed to the “Direct Appointment” of Calder Stewart as the contractor for the Bruce Community Facility Detailed Design and Build.
To ease some of the financial burden on ratepayers, for the $15.5 million that would have been funded by rates, Council approved providing a $2.5 million grant from Council’s Investment equity, which is consistent with the same amount applied to Te Pou Ō Mata Au, and an interest-only loan of the balance for a period of 2 years. The 2 year period is aligned to the next Long Term Plan and is consistent with several submissions that supported the project but considered it wasn’t the right time.
While the decision had been consulted on previously the updated total budget for the facility came in at around $20 million and triggered the need for further consultation.
Over 600 submissions were received with 49.7% in favour of the new facility and 50.3% were against.
63% from the Bruce rating area supported the new facility.
Two information sessions were also held in Milton to hear people's feedback.
The next stage is to commence the detailed design including updating the cost estimates.
Council looks forward to working with the Bruce Communities Facilities Trust who are also raising funds to help financially support the project.
