St Asaph business co-op. wins temporary reprieve

Press, 19 December 1989, Page 7

St Asaph business co-op. wins temporary reprieve

By

KAY FORRESTER.

The St Asaph Business Centre won a reprieve last evening — it has gained a commitment from the Christchurch City Council to keep it open until February. Councillors endorsed a recommendation by its policy and resources committee to provide funds to finish stage two of the centre’s renovation and provide the minimum of costs needed to keep the centre running until February. This could cost the council $165,000. A bid by Cr Ron Wright to have the council quit the business centre in March was lost. The council set it up with the Co-operative Development Forum last June.

Cr Wright argued that the council could run a similar programme from cheaper premises and the St Asaph site should be sold. The group manager, development, Mr Mike Richardson, said it could cost the council $50,000 to $lOO,OOO a year to subsidise the business centre’s operation. The council would have to subsidise the nursery businesses programme for some years. Cr Philip Carter suggested that the council could better spend its money on a Salvation Army Access Scheme. A report on the centre would outline that sort of alternative. The centre so far has five tenants. The forum was to run

the centre for the council, with a manager employed by the council. Establishment costs — which were to be met by the forum — have been more than expected. The forum has sought council help because it has spent $91,450 but the complex is not finished and rent is overdue. The council decided to get an officer project team to assess stage two and decide which parts were of immediate importance. Funds for these would come from the capital development fund. A report on the future development of the centre beyond February will be made to the jobs and promotion committee.