Backlash is growing over plans for a new $88 million Nelson council building, as mayor Nick Smith says it's lost the mandate of the public to continue.
Last Thursday, the majority of Nelson city councillors voted in favour of a new council building on Church St, despite most submitters voicing their opposition.
On Monday, hundreds protested outside the council building with one ratepayer telling 1News: "They're just throwing our money away."
Smith, who voted against the new building, said he wanted council to press pause on the project.
"I don't think there is the mandate from the community to proceed with this project," he said.
Earlier this year, the public were asked for their say on what to do about the ageing council building and library, which had recently needed significant investment due to earthquake strengthening issues.
Of the 1400-plus respondents, the vast majority (62.5%) said they wanted the current council building to be refurbished at an estimated cost of $73.3m.
Instead, councillors decided their preferred option was a new building on Church St which just 24.5% of respondents favoured. That option was the most expensive at approximately $88.2m.
Scott Gibbons, the managing director of property investment company Gibbons – which has led several major construction projects across the region – said he wrote to councillors before the vote with concerns.
"I think the report was confusing in its recommendation to councillors and I think there were some gaps that were missing in that report to give them an informed decision," he said. "And it was slanted towards an alternative to what the public wanted."
Gibbons said the council should pause the Church St plans and first thoroughly investigate the current building.
"I think really exploring what the refurbishment costs could actually look like. I think there is a significant saving there."
'Mischief-making' – Councillors defend call
But many councillors have come out on social media in the last week strongly defending the decision.
Councillor Aaron Stallard denied claims they didn't listen to the public.
"I think that's mischief-making, the people who are saying this sort of thing."
The Church St option was planning to be a community hub, library and civic centre. The current council building sat on a flood plain and there were concerns about a potential increase in refurbishment costs.
"The critical aspect was new build and all the freedom that gives for a good design," Stallard said.
Now the councillors have picked Church St as their preferred option, the council must now do due diligence before the decision goes back to councillors later this year to make the final decision on purchasing the properties.
Smith said he was concerned about the damage being done to the public's trust in the council.
"There are off-ramps, but it will be more expensive for council to halt the project if they've gone ahead and purchased the properties," he said.
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