Not at this time. I don’t think the tens of millions it would take to build a PAC and the huge predicted annual losses it would suffer are the best way of stimulating cultural and economic growth in Nelson.  There are many innovative people in Nelson that create great festivals and events on an incredibly tight budget and I would like to see them better supported, which often is merely matter of only a few thousand dollars.  I would like to see a huge increase in funds available to initiatives like the Community Assistance Funding before a PAC is back on the table.

Awaiting response

We need to keep an option open for a larger events/performing arts facility (eg on Rutherford park by the river) after looking hard at the capacity of other facilties (Theatre Royal, NSM, etc) to accommodate reasonable sized shows and events. Trafalgar Park should be used for larger outdoor concerts and events too. I would love to see one by the river adjacent to a conference centre to be built in conjunction with Wakatu Inc and other interested parties

Hugh Briggs

Planning Consultant too

This is a subjective matter and one which requires more than a simple \"yes\" or \"no\" answer. Who can properly say what a region \"needs\"? I think two other important questions to consider might be \"Does the region WANT a PAC\" and \"Are the ratepayers of the region happy to pay for it?\" and if so, what are we prepared to spend as a Council, and how else might we gather private investment towards this building so as to lower the burden on ratepayers. We also need to assess current capacity delivered by the Theatre Royal and Trafalgar Centre, and whether we ought to manage within what we already have.

My personal thinking at this point, as outlined on my profile page, is we hold off on this spending for now. If we do build a PAC, let\'s create an architectural gem and a model of cutting edge energy efficient building, that will attract tourists and visitors and further promote Nelson\'s uniqueness.

Awaiting response

I think there is room for a performing arts centre to provide for the region that will accommodate for instance a full symphony orchestra.

I do not think the full cost should fall on ratepayers, this and the selection of a suitable site will all be part of my decision

making. 

Yes, if the ratepayer does not incur major costs, otherwise defer it.

Awaiting response

No if the ratepayer has to pay for it. The Rutherfrod st P A C talked about last year was over $90, Mill for the frist 40 years cost to the Nelson ratepayer.

Yes on the proviso of committed community, staff and financial support from Tasman District Council and business partnerships only.

Awaiting response

Not at this stage with the Economic recession and people are holding to tight to their money and struggling with their basic needs.  People are finding it hard to fit in the costs of going to performances in their budget let alone pay extra on rates for a PAC they cannot afford at this time.

Yes but subject to a satisfactory cost benefit study. Big project such as this need to be financially viable and the cost controlled during construction. The idea of a public private partnership is appealing.  However given the current economic downturn the ratepayers do not need a further direct cost here. 

Awaiting response

The WOW is a prime example of getting Rate Payer support, what was the result? it was sold off to Wellington.

It is simular to The Tax Payer supporting Russel Couts in The Americas Cup, then he jumped ship.

If it can be funded privatly I have no problem supporting a Performing Arts Centre, other wise it needs to grow on it\\\'s own strength. It amazes me the Art World in this town did not get approached or approach our Council to support a re Vamped Fashion Arts / Board Walk Atrs or something to that extent, to maintain our Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland customer base of eager women who love having an excuse to get to Nelson for a weekend.

I would support the fine talent we have in this town to make this happen by:

1 Ask those who created a Fashion Art and did not make the cut for the Wellington WOW show to join our show

2 Elect some of our young talented seamstress to a committee and give finacial assitance, I am sue we could find a building for their base.

3 Get Tourism Nelson to send out Package deals to our target market (Maintain and grow this customer base year on year, which is owned by us the Rate payer)

4 Support given by the Nelson City Council via free use of the Trafalger Centre for two shows a year

5 Proceeds to be put into trust for a Performing Arts Centre

The initaitive must come from the Art World in this town, support from the NCC does not need to be a big cheque.By throwing big money at it will not garentee it\\\'s success and accountability is paramount.

Awaiting response

I refer you to my website where there is commentary and media releases.  www.rachelreese.co.nz

Right now I think we need a conference centre first.

Yes but it must be suject to joint funding from the private sector and the TDC.

My position is that a performing arts centre needs to be based on a sound business model. The council does not need to own outright such falcilties either so joint ventures need to be considered.  The entertainment industry needs to provide long term assurances such a facility will be fully utilised and any investment from the NCC needs to provide a satisfactory return for ratepayers. Regards Patrick

Performing Arts Centre

The Handsup dominated Nelson City Council rejected the proposal for a Performing Arts centre so the project is currently dead.

I am happy to look at the issue but it would need a clear majority of ratepayers support before one cent was spent on this project.

Some of my questions are - The Theatre Royal has just been upgraded and it is not used 24/7 so why can\'t this be used?

There are other facilities in the City that could also be considered. What is the interest level and why should the ratepayers foot the bill?