Construction costs have continuously risen since 2022, due to increased prices for building materials, inflation, higher labour costs, and rising interest rates. After the COVID-19 pandemic, these issues caused supply chain disruptions, especially for materials obtained from overseas and labour shortages.
In our latest estimations, we have also considered all costs associated with the proposed new build, like carpark costs, demolition of existing buildings, professional service costs to obtain consents, to name a few.
The current library on Union Street is earthquake-prone and too small for modern services. Built in 1944 as the Bruce County Council offices, many years before the advent of computers and when library services were limited to book loans. The building was extended in 1965 and has only received minimal maintenance since the 1989 local body amalgamations, with no significant renewals.
The current footprint is 165m², 71% smaller than what is recommended for a community library serving a population of 4,000.
A detailed seismic assessment carried out in 2017 indicated a rating of 20-30% NBS.
In anticipation of a new building, a full condition report was not commissioned (as was done for other facilities), and no provision has been made for any renewals. The building repair budget for 2023/24 was $2,960 and is badly in need of remedial work. While an update and fit out of the existing building has been considered, this would cost at least as much as a rebuild and still wouldn’t be able to deliver the services outlined in the new build.
The current pool on Park Lane, originally built over 50 years ago, is now well passed its use-by-date and has a large crack in it. Time has also highlighted it was built on an unstable site. Option 2 considers infrastructure upgrades to the current site, where cost analysis will need to be determined. Risk is that if the site is too unstable and too costly that once the current infrastructure breaks down, Milton may not have a public swimming pool.
Central Government has sent a clear message that Councils need to stick to core services. Is a new library and pool a core service? Or is it a “nice to have” and is this not something Council’s should invest in? This is a question for our communities to decide.
We’re proposing a combined and collaborative funding approach with Council and community contributions. Council has also confirmed Central Government Three Waters Better Off Funding Support package to help meet some of the costs. However, this is at risk as the Government has signalled a preference that it be used on Three Waters projects.
You’ll find more information about each option on the website including how each one might affect you.
For big ticket intergenerational items like this one, Council loan funds the amount needed. After the facility is built it pays back the loan via rates over the coming years. This is what we’re proposing for this facility over a 25 year timeframe.
Pool and library services will continue to be Council-owned and operated. The Bruce Community Facilities Trust will assist, particularly for the development of the pool aspect facility, including raising the funds it has committed to contributing. On completion, it will be operated by Council, in collaboration with the community for initiatives and programmes run from the facility.
At this stage there is no plan for what the old site could be used for. However, any plans would be guided by the objectives and policies detailed in the Milton Reserve Management Plan.
