Proposal to Dispose of the Foxton War Memorial Hall

Horowhenua District Council is seeking your feedback on three proposed options for the future of the Foxton War Memorial Hall.

The Foxton War Memorial Hall stands as a testament to the resilience and spirit of our community. In 1952, New Zealand Woolpack and Textiles Limited (NZWATL) generously gifted the land to the Foxton Borough Council for the purpose of a War Memorial. Over the years, the hall has evolved from its humble beginnings as a theatre and storage facility into a cherished community hub.

However, the hall faces challenges in its current state. It has been designated as an Earthquake Prone Building, requiring substantial investment for the necessary upgrades. Additionally, low community use and ongoing maintenance costs have led the Council to classify it as a non-core asset.

The journey towards determining the hall's fate began in 2018 during Long Term Plan consultation. Acknowledging the challenges it presents, and after extensive community consultation, Council resolved to dispose of the hall along with other community halls across the district. This decision reflects the need to address structural concerns and ensure optimal use of community resources and spend of rate payer money. It also aligns with the Current Property Disposal Strategy that has been adopted by Council to dispose of all non-core property by 2028.

During the 2021-2041 Long Term Plan consultation, the community advocated for the transfer of the Foxton War Memorial Hall to a local community group. Responding to this feedback, the Council initially supported negotiations with the Foxton War Memorial Hall Society (FWMHS) towards potential transfer.

After extensive discussions and negotiations, which ultimately proved unsuccessful, the Council made a decision in June 2023 to explore alternative plans for the hall's disposal and prepare it for release to the general market. Councillors appreciated the Society's effort in developing a business case but raised concerns about its viability due to the hall's low seismic rating, the high cost of assessment and remediation, and doubts about the Society's ability to cover these expenses. They also noted an absence of a sustainable income stream in the business case which further influenced the Council's decision to dispose of the hall on the open market.

Why are we consulting again?

A number of intricacies surrounding the land's original purpose as a War Memorial have become apparent and it was decided that further community consultation should be undertaken.

As we navigate through these complexities, our primary focus remains the interests of the Foxton community. We are dedicated to engaging with stakeholders and the wider community to ensure that any decisions regarding the Foxton War Memorial Hall are made thoughtfully, considering its historical significance and impact on the community.

Have your say

Your input is crucial as we move forward in this process. The Hall remains a non-core asset and council has expressed a desire to dispose of the property. We invite you to share your thoughts and concerns in relation to the options presented below. Your feedback will inform our decision-making process as we work towards a solution that reflects the values and aspirations of our community.

Proposed options for the future of the Foxton Memorial Hall

Option 1: Council retains and upgrades the Hall

Council commits to vital upgrades to safeguard the hall's safety and longevity, preserving its historical integrity. This endeavour demands a substantial investment from ratepayers. Preliminary estimates suggest the cost could range from $1.5M - $2.1M depending on the extent of renovations required although further investigation is required to determine this. It’s crucial to note that the cost estimates provided are indicative only but given those indicative estimates and their financial impact it is not the Council’s preferred option, although all options will be considered in light of submissions received. A decision on how this would be funded is yet to be made however potential options include funding via borrowing and rating accordingly. Potential impacts are modelled below:

The hall bookings since the 2015-2016 year and annual operating costs are shown in the tables below.

Option 2: Council Disposes through Open Market (Preferred option)

While selling on the open market may offer the potential for financial returns, the Council recognises the importance of community benefit. This avenue presents an opportunity for an innovative business approach that embraces forward-thinking for the site and are open to.

During the current consultation process, feedback is sought on the desired community amenities to accompany any commercial development. It may be noted that requirements for community amenities may reduce the financial return to the Council.

It’s important to note that Council has allocated funding respectfully relocate the rolls of honour to Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom, ensuring the continued recognition of those who served and those who lost their lives while serving.

Any proceeds of sale will be used for the purposes to be identified by the Council but consistent with the original endowment.

Option 3: Transfer to Community Organisation

Option 3 suggests transferring ownership to a community organisation, promoting local stewardship. However, this requires careful assessment of the organisation's resources and maintenance capacity. While empowering communities, it also demands support and infrastructure to ensure sustainable management. Councils must thoroughly evaluate before transferring, ensuring the organisation can effectively utilise the land for broader community benefit.

Stats

Annual operating costs – Note these exclude any programmed renewal or reactive maintenance costs.