Council to investigate combined Civic Hub facility on Church St

Elected members have selected Church Street as the potential location for Nelson's new combined Community Hub, Library and Civic Space.

Three options were considered: redeveloping Civic House alongside the adjoining Savings Bank and former State Advances sites; building new on Collingwood Street on leased land; or building new on Church Street on land Council would purchase.

The majority chose Option 3 – Church Street – at a full Council meeting on 5 November. The decision comes after years of investigation, planning and public consultation.

A provisional budget of $78.3 million has been included for the project in the draft Long Term Plan 2027–2037. Although the original Church Street proposal was estimated at $88.2 million in December 2025 dollars, Council will now investigate whether the project can be delivered within the provisional budget.

Deputy Mayor and City Revitalisation Chair Pete Rainey says Church Street offers significant opportunities for both the new space and the wider city centre.

"I'm delighted we've recognised the financial and creative potential of Church Street. I believe it offers the strongest opportunity to create something special for Nelson – a new heart for our city that brings people together, supports businesses and serves generations to come.

"I understand why so many submitters preferred Civic House, particularly when affordability is such a concern. We had to weigh that feedback alongside risks, staff and service disruption from refurbishment, the physical drawbacks of an existing 1980s building and what each option could deliver over the long term. Cost matters, but so does the quality, usefulness and lasting value of what we create.

"Being alongside the Nelson Provincial Museum also presents some exciting opportunities, particularly the potential to connect with the Church Steps, cathedral and surrounding hospitality businesses to create a vibrant cultural precinct.

"We've made an important decision about where this facility will be located, and I'm looking forward to the community helping shape what goes inside."

Cr Rainey says the decision could also encourage further investment in central Nelson.

"Moving to Church Street creates an opportunity for Civic House to be redeveloped for housing and commercial uses. Alongside Wakatū Incorporation's plans for Collingwood Street, this could bring significant new investment into our city centre."

No decision has been made to dispose of either Civic House or Elma Turner Library. Any proposed sale would require a separate report and decision by Council, including consideration of whether the properties are no longer required for public works under section 40(1) of the Public Works Act 1981.

Nelson City Council Chief Executive Nigel Philpott says he is pleased a decision has been made, allowing staff to move forward with the next stage of the project.

"The location was a decision for elected members to make, and now that we have that direction, our focus turns to the work ahead. We'll progress due diligence on the Church Street site, investigate the potential design options, and test the costs against the provisional budget.

"I am determined that the option selected by elected members will deliver value for money, and that the procurement process will deliver an option for a similar level of cost as estimated to refurbish Civic House."

No final design or construction price has been confirmed.

The community will have further opportunities to contribute to the design and use of the new library and community spaces.