What does this option involve?

  • Creating a community library and pool facility that includes a six lane swimming pool.
  • Size-wise this option has a 505m² Community Library area, 157m² Multipurpose Space, 1,817m² Community Pool area and 198m² Community Space. Total building area of 2,677m².

  • Advantages & Benefits of this option

    • Both Council and the Bruce Community Facilities Trust have identified this as the preferred option.
    • Caters for forecast growth for the Milton community.
    • Fits within the existing land available on Union Street.
    • Creates a modern state-of-the-art community library and pool facility in Milton.
    • Footprint would have space for commercial/retail options that could contribute to the cost of operating the facility.
    • More space available for clubs and groups to utilise.

  • Disadvantages & Costs of this option

    • Comes at a cost to ratepayers. Refer to ‘What Would it Mean for your Rates?’ on the right hand side of this page.
    • There is a risk that the community may not be able to raise $2M.
    • The Three Waters Better Off Funding Support Package is at risk - the Government has signalled a preference that it be used on Three Waters projects. Which means the community would need to fund a further $1.9M by rates.

How would it be funded?

A combination of sources would be considered for funding this option as set out below:

Funding SourceAmount
Bruce Community Facilities Trust-led funding$2M
Central Government funding*$1.9M
Council rates funding**$15.5M
Total$19.4M

*The Three Waters Better Off Funding Support Package is at risk - the Government has signaled a preference that it be used on Three Waters projects.

**Via a $15.5M loan, to be paid back via rates over 25 years.

What would it mean for your rates?

The rates impact of an additional $15.5M funded from rates is outlined below:

$15.5M loan -
Council Funding		From
2025/26
All Clutha District properties (UAGC*)$73
Properties in the Bruce community facilities rating area (includes UAGC*)$264
$17.4M loan - if no Central Government funding is availableFrom 2025/26
All Clutha District properties (UAGC*)$81
Properties in the Bruce community facilities rating area (includes UAGC*)$301

*The uniform annual general charge (UAGC) is paid by all properties in the district.

For more information about the Bruce Community Facilities rating area, click here.

Operating costs

The operating costs of the new facility is expected to be an additional $12 on the UAGC and an additional $61 on the Bruce Community Facilities rate.