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The Sun
Wednesday January 12, 2011
Blenheim Marlborough
Author dies The Sun remembers Don Grady, a writer, journalist and historian.
Page 2
Marlborough District Councillor Jamie Arbuckle says he is not in favour of the new theatre being built next to the Clubs of Marlborough.
No place like home Andrew Lankshear talks about his time in Japan.
Page 10
WIN ME!
Blenheim Toyota
Theatre debate How will funding affect ratepayers? By Damian George and Les Whiteside Marlborough District councillor Geoff Evans says claims by Civic Theatre Trust chairman Kevin Moseley that fundraising goals for the new theatre have been met are untrue. Councillor Evans says the council is still deciding how best to fund the new theatre, which is scheduled for completion in mid-2012. “The council have yet to make a decision on this,” he says. “It won’t be discussed until probably February at the earliest to see how funding will be achieved, so it’s quite a way away. “There’s got to be a lot more work done first.” The Theatre Trust has already raised more than $3 million and could be on target to achieve $4 million soon.
The estimated cost for the new theatre building is $17 million, with $4 million coming from the trust and $5 million coming from a capital grant from the Marlborough District Council reserves fund. The Sun understands the council is also proposing to buy the old theatre building from the Civic Trust for a cost of $6 million to house a new public library. If this happens, the old theatre building will need to be upgraded at an estimated cost of between $5 and $10 million. With the new theatre up and running (on the Clubs of Marlborough site) the council will also need to pick up the annual operating costs, projected at $200,000 to $400,000 a year. The Sun has been told some newly-appointed
councillors are unhappy about the lack of consultation with the public on the proposals, and have asked mayor Alistair Sowman to issue a press release to update locals. Councillor Jamie Arbuckle says the public should be made aware of the issues surrounding the theatre project and the costs associated, as well as any other options the council is considering. “If the rate-payers want a new theatre, that’s fine. But let’s tell them what the costs are.” He also told The Sun he is not in favour of the theatre being built next to the Clubs of Marlborough, and that the club itself voted 197 to six against the site. “I believe it will cause havoc and isn’t supported by a large number of the public,” he says.
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