The Church Street project was originally estimated to cost $12.4 million, but this increased to $14.9 million due to rising construction costs. The Trust was budgeting on having 50% of the project funded by the Nelson City and Tasman District Councils ($3million each) alongside $6 million fundraising from the community, philanthropic trusts and government grants.

A significant portion of the fundraising was originally anticipated to come from the Government’s Regional Culture and Heritage Fund (the Fund). The Trust’s application to the fund was declined in 2023 and the fund was closed in 2024. Although alternative funding sources were explored, the combined impact of increased project costs and the funding shortfall prompted a review of other options.

In July 2025, the Trust completed a new business case evaluating several options, including the original plan to build in Church Street. The report ultimately recommended constructing the facility on available land in Richmond West, citing lower construction costs, greater space efficiency from a single-storey design, with savings on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

The cost of the new Richmond West Archive facility is $9.8 million to be funded by $3 million from each Council.

Nelson City Council committed to supporting the Church Street Plan by allocating $3 million in its Long Term Plan in 2018 and the sum was carried over each of the subsequent Long Term Plans in 2021 and 2024.

Consultation is required because the revised project differs from the earlier proposal in that it is no longer in the central city and the proportion of Council funding is greater. The Trust has requested approval by the end of September to enable the land to be purchased and secure a fixed price contract for the build.

Opened in 1973, the Isel Park Research Facility houses the region’s archive and research library, containing rare, original, and unique manuscripts, books, maps, photographs, and records, as well as heritage objects and taonga spanning more than a century.

The facility is now in need of a major upgrade. The building was earthquake strengthened in 2013/14. However, there are other issues including inadequate fire safety and accessibility, failing electrical systems, and poor conditions for artifact storage due to lack of insulation and climate control. Due to leaks from recent weather events, parts of the collection have suffered damage.

While the Trust has worked to maintain the building, it now requires significant investment to serve as a viable long-term solution.

In 2009, by agreement with Tasman District Council, the TBHT leased a workshop and storage space at Wakatu Industrial Estate as a temporary measure while the Trust evaluated its long-term collections needs. This facility provided additional space for storage and is still being leased.