Wellington Town Hall costs blow out 1000% yet they keep going

Radio NZ reports:

The costs of strengthening and redeveloping Wellington Town hall could nearly double as Wellington City Council announced a massive budget blow-out on the project.

The council said the $182 million project could cost an additional $70m-$147m to complete.

Mayor Tory Whanau said news of the blow-out was “extremely tough to hear, but not unexpected”.

“We are dealing with challenging economic conditions – but we are more than half-way through the project, which was started by a previous council. There’s no way we can turn back. We must see it through to completion.

“However, I join Wellingtonians at being frustrated and annoyed at the news of another cost increase.”

Oh what nonsense. The value was even marginal at $32 million and now at over $300 million it will be the most expensive white elephant in New Zealand.

We already have a perfectly good music venue in the Michael Fowler Centre. It is callous disregard for struggling families that the WCC proceeds with a second venue which will cost the average household close to $4,000.