Consent granted for improvements to the Reefton Visitor and Service Centre

Buller District Council has been granted building consent for improvements to the Reefton Visitor and Service Centre, with the start of the second stage of the project underway immediately.

The consent application was lodged in May and granted this week.

The Reefton Visitor and Service Centre opened in November 2022, merging the former Reefton Service Centre and the Reefton Visitor Centre.

The improvements will optimise the space and bring all of the services onto one site. The changes will include the relocation of the NZ Post mailboxes into the centre (from the old service centre site), moving the full Inangahua County library book collection into the former BNZ space, alterations to the accessible toilet facilities and changing some of the emergency exits and lighting to ensure the building meets all compliance standards. All these were part of the building consent that was lodged earlier this year.

Acting group manager community services Shelley Jope says it is exciting progress for the community hub in Reefton.

“The Reefton Visitor and Service Centre is an important asset to the Reefton community and its visitors, providing a great source of information and services, as well as a key link for the community to council. It is wonderful to see this project underway after some delays.”   

“Works will be progressing quickly, subject to any unforeseen circumstances, with completion aimed to be in September 2023. We thank our staff and the community for their patience so far.”

“The building works will be carried out with as little disruption to services as possible however, this will be reviewed if needed as staff and public safety during the construction works is paramount. 

“We are incredibly eager to get this stage of works completed to complement our vision of how the Reefton Visitor and Service Centre will look and continue to serve the local community into the future.”

-ENDS-

further information please contact:
Acting Group Manager Community Services
Shelley Jope
Shelley.Jope@bdc.govt.nz