Hall costs up to $165,000

The Marines Hall saga has so far cost ratepayers more than $165,000.

The hall, which was labelled ‘‘ a big joke’’ by a Porirua city councillor on December 4 during discussion over whether to repair or demolish it, was closed to the public in 2012 because of its unsafe and decrepit state.

Since then, the main costs have been to contractors Lester Building Group ($ 68,860), U Shrink Wellington for roof wrap ($14,261) and consultants Cardno ($11,257).

All up, surveying, architects, engineers and consultants on the hall have charged more than $32,317 and contractors $115,930.

A discussion document on the hall’s future cost $ 2039 and a research survey to get public views $15,000.

The figures do not include council officers’ time or document production costs.

Te Komiti chairman Euon Murrell, who this month recommended the hall be demolished, said the figures showed the bureaucratic system the council operated in.

‘‘It’s $165,000 too much, in my opinion, for an old building that’s past its use-by date,’’ he said. ‘‘We’ve consulted enough. ‘‘I want the process to be over, so it doesn’t cost us money every day.’’

Meanwhile, supporters of fully repairing the hall filled the public gallery during a noisy meeting of full council last Wednesday, but the decision to demolish stood.

Members of Porirua Little Theatre, including long- term supporters Bob Cater and Rose Hudson, made their feelings known about the council’s decision during the public speaking time.

Porirua mayor Nick Leggett proposed councillors make $ 300,000 of ratepayers’ money available to restore the hall, with the balance of the funding coming from community sources.

Although he found support from Ken Douglas, the Te Komiti decision was passed.

Deputy mayor ’Ana Coffey, who at Te Komiti voted against the recommendation to demolish the hall, was not at the meeting.

Titahi Bay Residents’ Association chairman Graeme Ebbett said his organisation was likely to appeal to the Environment Court.