Demolition order delayed on Twizel’s faltering Youth Centre

The pause button has been pushed on plans to demolish Twizel’s ailing Youth Centre.

Demolition had been agreed by the Twizel Group Board previous to the 2022 Native Physique Elections, however the incoming board has since determined to ship the problem again to the general public after some people “had been eager to discover different choices”.

The constructing has been thought of unsafe since a report back to the Mackenzie District Council by Beca Consulting in January 2021 which beneficial it keep closed to the general public till the issues had been fastened.

Issues discovered by Beca inspector Grant Hyde included rot, dampness, holes, damaged home windows, rusted pipes, blocked fireplace escapes, electrical switches held along with duct tape, and potential asbestos (which has since been confirmed).

By March 2022, the constructing remained fenced off as repairs to the city’s Occasions Centre took precedence.

The centre’s future was mentioned once more at a group board assembly on August 28, 2023, when district councillor Scott Aronsen spoke within the public discussion board saying he had been concerned with the centre since 2007.

Aronsen famous that work carried out on the constructing in earlier years was executed by volunteers.

“There had been issues with inner gutters creating leaks into the constructing, and a previous flood,” the assembly’s minutes stated.

Aronsen, who had inspected the constructing earlier than the assembly, stated he believed the construction was usually sound, with repairs wanted on the verandah and decks, and different areas.

“His view was that the constructing may very well be repaired, and he didn’t agree with demolishing it. He urged additional investigations.”

He needed a proposal to go to council for it to develop into a community-led challenge, with the council offering funds to buy supplies and the improve being accomplished on a volunteer foundation.

Throughout discussions by board members, it was revealed “there was presently $50,000 within the finances to demolish the constructing, however this may not be sufficient to do away with the asbestos”.

David Adamson, council’s normal supervisor operational, planning and regulatory providers, instructed the group board there have been obligations beneath the Constructing Act and round asbestos which meant it will should be executed correctly.

On Wednesday, a council spokesperson instructed The Timaru Herald that the board had requested council workers to analyze the prices and choices for restore of the property.

“As a part of this investigation, the constructing was checked for asbestos by an knowledgeable who recognized some asbestos was current.

“Council has since obtained a quote for the elimination of the asbestos.”

The council spokesperson stated the group board will now contemplate the brand new info, the choices obtainable, and the prices, and resolve what the subsequent steps can be.

“As but there have been no closing selections.

“There have been indications that members of the group might help with some funding in direction of this.”