Council is proposing to provide a new arts hub as part of implementing He Tātai Whetū, Whakatū Nelson’s Arts and Creativity Strategy, and to further activate arts in the city centre.

The hub will house the new arts development agency which will coordinate community efforts to deliver the best outcomes for the sector.

In 2022, we undertook an analysis of our arts facilities with key stakeholders and identified the need for a community arts hub. An investigation in 2023/24 showed that a hub would not only provide the physical spaces for arts and creativity such as workshop, gallery and office space, but also a place to connect, collaborate and coordinate efforts across the sector to help it thrive.

Our proposed approach

We are proposing an increase of $20,000 operating funding in 2025/26 and 2026/27 to cover the rent of an interim property to act as an arts hub. In 2027/28, we’ve included $1.7 million of capital funding for the purchase of a building to refurbish and establish a permanent arts hub in Nelson (with fit out to be covered by community fundraising).

Retain our current approach

Arts Council Nelson would continue to operate out of the Refinery Artspace with limited administrative and workshop spaces and no ability to include the additional functions identified for an arts hub.

No additional budget would need to be set aside for this option, however, as the current location on Hardy Street is being leased temporarily, there is no ongoing certainty regarding its availability for long-term occupation or the associated rental costs.

This would have no additional rating or debt impact.

Purchase an existing building and establish an arts hub (Council’s proposal)

Adaptive reuse of an existing building in the city centre is a lower cost option to establish an arts hub. It would enable fit-out of new administrative and activity spaces to sufficiently support the sector. It would require $1.7 million of capital funding to purchase the building, along with additional maintenance costs. However, it would provide an improved facility and greater certainty for long term operational costs.

Impact on rates: Total of $761,000 across years two to 10 of the Long Term Plan.

Impact on debt: $1.7 million raised in year four of the Long Term Plan.

Construct a new building for an arts hub in the city centre

A further option is a new build in the city to develop a bespoke arts hub. It would provide the opportunity to build a fit-for-purpose hub to ensure it meets the needs to the sector and wider community.

This would require significant capital funding and ongoing maintenance costs. However, in the long term it would provide greater certainty for ongoing operational costs.

Council is still investigating the extent of the cost to build, and subsequent rating and debt impact of this option, but would be more than option 2.