The Trafalgar Centre’s future is uncertain, and could be bulldozed unless a solution that doesn’t cost tens of million of dollars can be found. Photo: Andrew Board.

Council agrees to upgrade Trafalgar Centre

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Nelson City councillors were unanimous in their decision to press forward with the Trafalgar Centre upgrade, in a full council meeting this morning.

The $13 million upgrade to the earthquake prone building was debated as being too expensive by members of the public during the meeting, but councillors today agreed that the project, despite its hefty price tag, is a “must do” for the city.

Mayor Rachel Reese called the project “the most challenging for this council,” but concluded that it is “now it’s time to get this building fixed, open, and the city humming again.”

“It will be a great relief for many to have events out of Saxton Stadium. It has been very hard work, but it’s time to move ahead,” she said.

Councillors present at the meeting were in full support of the upgrade, which will give the building a lifetime of other 50-plus years. Councillor McGurk assured those in attendance that the Council is getting the best possible price for a “complex” rebuild.

Councillor Ward stated that much of cost will be returned to the city, especially if there are a couple of really good events. Councillor Barker agreed, saying Nelson needs to take the opportunity to bring the Trafalgar Centre back to what it was previously intended to be, but it has to be marketed properly.