The Heart of Wanganui project includes concepts for new cultural buildings, developed by some of New Zealand’s leading architects.

In mid-2007 Wanganui people will be asked to vote whether or not the Heart project should go ahead. They will also be asked which concepts they prefer. Please note that these are only concepts, not final plans.

This week we continue looking at the various options, including comparative costs for individual options and for retaining the status quo. Cost comparisons are based on standardised industry building costs, not on detailed plans. We will not have an estimate of actual costs until detailed plans are prepared.

Option 3 – Library: site in the War Memorial Hall

Option 3 moves the Library to the main hall area of the War Memorial Hall. As well as using the main hall space, a mezzanine floor would be constructed. The wall facing Queens Park could be pushed out and large windows installed to let more light into the hall. The existing Concert Chamber and Pioneer Room would be retained as public venues. A possibility is to incorporate Wanganui Inc and i-SITE Wanganui Visitor Information Centre within the breezeway area (not included in the costings).

Comparative cost

(Note: All of the Library options include the costs for the seismic upgrade of the War Memorial Hall as this work must be undertaken whether or not any of the Heart of Wanganui options go ahead).

Please contact us if you want more information or want to give us your feedback:

Heart of Wanganui website
Email us
Phone: 349 0501

Heart of Wanganui - suburban meetings

The options for Heart of Wanganui will be presented at a series of neighbourhood meetings during November and there will be the opportunity for you to ask questions. We welcome your attendance.

Rates rebates

Remember that you can apply for a rates rebate at any time during the 2006/07 rating year. The income threshold is $20,000. A rebate of up to $500 can be claimed.

Before we can process your application, we need to see:

• Your Community Services Card.
• Evidence of all income (before tax) for last tax year (this includes income from interest, pensions etc).
• Your Wanganui District Council rates notice for 2006/07 and your Horizons Regional Council rates notice for 2006/07.

Eligibility for a rates rebate is determined by:

• The ratepayer’s income for the tax year preceding the start of the rating year and
• The amount of rates and
• The number of dependents.

Policy Analyst (Sport & Recreation)
Applications close 4 December 2006

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Council Meeting – Monday, November 27 (Council Chamber)
- The Council will consider the reports from all Committee meetings held in November.

Heritage – Tuesday, November 28
- Airport Control Tower; Central City Consultation; Heritage/Earthquake Conference.

Youth – Monday, December 4

Sport and Activity – Tuesday, December 5

Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at 4.00pm in Committee Room 2, 1st Floor, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

Agendas are available at the Customer Services Counter, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui, and the Wanganui District Library two working days prior to the meeting.

Meeting cancellation

Hearings Committee – Wednesday, December 6
As there is no business to transact this meeting has been cancelled.