Media request for an update on the Twizel Community Care Trust project.
Request
I'm working on a small update today on the Twizel Community Care Trust and was hoping to get a brief comment to include.
I noted the council has outlined support for the trust in its Annual Plan, and was wondering if someone could please respond to the following:
- How has the council supported the Twizel Community Care Trust throughout its rebuild?
- Could you provide a general statement on the Twizel Community Care Trust rebuild and what it will mean for the Twizel community.
Response
The Annual Plan reflects Council’s ongoing commitment to enabling the Twizel Community Care Trust’s vision for a long-term community hub and library for Twizel.
Council’s role has been to work alongside the Trust to help create the conditions for the project to succeed. This has included helping the Trust secure appropriate project management expertise, providing advice on potential funding opportunities, facilitating relationships and discussions with key funding partners, working with the Trust to identify and establish temporary accommodation for both the library and the Trust while the permanent facility is developed, and working closely with the Trust to develop the agreements that enabled Council to grant a long-term lease over Council-owned land for the proposed community hub.
As Council will be a significant long-term tenant through the operation of the Twizel Library, staff are also working closely with the Trust to ensure the library’s operational and service requirements are appropriately reflected in the building design. This collaborative approach helps ensure the completed facility meets the needs of both the community and its future occupants.
This partnership has already delivered a positive interim outcome, with the library successfully relocated to the former Cycle Journeys premises, ensuring library services have continued while the Trust progresses planning, fundraising and delivery of the permanent community hub.
The community hub remains a Trust-led project. The Trust is responsible for securing funding and delivering the development, while Council will continue to work alongside the Trust by providing advice, practical assistance and collaboration where appropriate.