A Facebook post last week asking for an update on the rebuild of the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre, which was destroyed by fire in February, has sparked discussion in the community about how the project is tracking. 

Central Otago District Council (CODC) says planning is continuing.  

A steering group, which includes community board members and four other local representatives, met for the first time in August and is due to meet again within the next three weeks. 

“We’re still in the early planning stages,” CODC community experience group manager David Scoones said.  

“We expect to provide a more detailed update after the next meeting.” 

An early “best-case” target for a new facility was 2028, but that timeframe is highly dependent on factors still to be worked through, David said. 

“We do not have a realistic timeline for construction yet.” 

Meanwhile the insurance claim from the fire is close to being finalised.  

An initial payment of approximately $230,000 has already been received to cover demolition, protection and asbestos-removal costs. 

“In August we gave an update that indemnity value had been agreed and council and the insurance brokers were in negotiation for the balance,” David said. 

Some residents have speculated alternative sites were being looked at for the rebuild, but no such plans have been confirmed. 

David said the next meeting will consider how best to engage the wider community in shaping the project. 

In response to Facebook comments made on the project Central Otago mayor Tamah Alley said suggestion boxes located at well-frequented spots in the town were being considered.

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