3 November 2005

Council supports new Arts Centre for Hibiscus Coast

Rodney District Council is supporting a proposal for a community arts centre to be established at the KFC site on Western Reserve in Orewa.

In a formal Expression of Interest to the Council, the Arts Forum Incorporated (TAFI) requested that the KFC site be considered as a venue to promote visual arts when the existing commercial lease expires in March 2006.

Rodney District Council's Arts Adviser, Sarah Dugdale, says the potential for the site to be developed as an arts centre is exciting and more in-keeping with the philosophy of the reserve.

"The Western Reserve has a strong community focus with its existing recreational facilities and the addition of an arts centre will provide further opportunities for community involvement and enjoyment," she says.

Community support for an arts centre was indicated during public consultation on the Arts Strategy in 2004, in successive Annual Plan submissions and in a feasibility study carried out by Rodney Community Arts Council, East Committee.

A number of issues including amendments to the Western Reserve Management Plan will be worked through in consultation with the public and the role of Rodney District Council determined before final decisions are made.

ENDS

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