Regional council eyes $6m Masterton base | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

A new $6 million regional council building has been proposed for Masterton.

The Greater Wellington Regional Council has filed a resource consent application to build a new workplace on its Chapel St site.

Spokesman Jim Flack said council lodged a resource consent application for the project with Masterton District Council on January 25, although there has been no decision on whether or not to go ahead with the building.

"It's all about timing. If Greater Wellington's councillors approve the plans for the building and proceed, we can then demolish the unoccupied Choice Health building, north of our current building and get the project underway," he said. "If we don't have consent then we have to wait, which would hold up the project."

The Greater Wellington council expected to hear back within 20 working days of lodging the consent, assuming no extra information is requested.

The proposal to spend $6.71 million on a new building in Masterton is included in council's Long Term Plan 2009-2019.

"However, the decision whether to proceed will be considered by Greater Wellington councillors in early May, when final design and costings will be available," said Mr Flack.

"The reasons for a new building haven't changed - appropriate space for staff, business continuity, and a back-up emergency operations centre for the Wellington region. There are also health and safety matters that need addressing," he said.

Mr Flack said the ongoing discussion around the future make-up of local government in Wairarapa would be a factor in councillors' final decision.

The proposal is for the existing regional council building to remain while the new premises is constructed. The council plans to sell the existing building.

Residents will have the chance to comment on the potential building while council prepares the plan from March onward.