MDC votes to use an invited tender process for new Town Hall

A topic of high public interest that generated strong debate during a Council session has resulted in Masterton District Council agreeing to proceed with an invited tender process for the construction of a new Town Hall.

As part of the decision in 2024, $25million was set out in the Long-Term Plan to support the demolition, rubble removal and creation of a green space in line with the resource consent, which has been completed. The remaining budget was to be used to construct the new town hall.

Mayor Bex Johnson said she was pleased a decision had been made on the future direction of the project and that work could now move forward.

“It’s been two years since the decision was made to remove the old Town Hall, and in 2024 we committed to delivering a new venue that will support events and activities in our town and district for years to come,” she said.

“Town halls and event spaces are often at the heart of a community. They provide large, diverse, multipurpose spaces where people can come together, connect, and celebrate.

Mayor Johnson said Council had also heard community interest in contributing to the project through fundraising initiatives.

“While the budget covers the cost of a fully functioning venue, we have heard there is interest from the community in supporting fundraising efforts for the Town Hall.

“We will soon be launching a formal charitable trust that will support fundraising and investment for the new town hall, both during construction and once it is complete,” she said.

The proposed venue is intended to be a multipurpose facility capable of hosting performances, concerts, theatre productions, community activities, and other events. The facility will include on-site catering amenities for functions and events, with a capacity of up to 1,000 people depending on the event configuration.

“We know the community had concerns about costs and that was why we limited the project to $25m. We have investigated whether such a venue can be delivered within this budget and, with strong project discipline, we can,” Mayor Johnson said.

Tendering is expected to take place in the New Year, with construction anticipated to begin shortly after a preferred supplier has been selected and a contract signed. Timeframes will be confirmed once the procurement process is complete.

“Our job as a Council is to ensure Masterton is well positioned for the future and for generations to come, particularly as discussions around issues such as amalgamation continue.

“A Town Hall is a critical piece of community infrastructure, and I look forward to seeing this project progress.”

The Masterton District Council What's Up Whakaoriori project page will be updated regularly as the project progresses.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITOR – an invited tender process is a closed tender process, where selected companies are invited to put forward tender applications.