News
Phase one of the public consultation process for Anderson Park House saw over 250 suggestions for future uses of Invercargill’s premier historic home. From these suggestions three preliminary options for future uses of Anderson Park House have now been developed and further public input is invited.
GM Community, Tourism and Events Bobbi Brown says that one of the most significant considerations for this project is that the estate and home were gifted to the Invercargill City Council for the benefit of the public. Ensuring a balance of financial sustainability and community access is really important, as they both influence public benefit.
“It is acknowledged that Anderson House is an amazing asset to Invercargill which no-one wants to see lost. Looking at ways to innovatively achieve this objective is important. Of particular interest are collections, of any kind, which have the potential to tie into local stories and draw additional visitors to the house and park.”
“The home and wider park have potential to serve the needs of the local community, while also attracting additional tourism revenue to the city. Public input is valuable in ensuring that this is achieved in a way which maximises the overall community benefit.”
“It’s likely that best option is that the house and grounds have multiple uses to optimise community use,” said Mrs Brown.
“It’s fundamental to honour the past of the building, as a home, an art gallery and recipient of so many community gifts. There are amazing collections of stories, art and furnishings that tell the unique story of Invercargill and Southland.”
To access the survey please go to Take Survey Here (hard copies are available for those without internet access are available from the Venture Southland office – 143 Spey St, Invercargill). The survey will be open for two weeks and close on the 29 th November.
Next steps:
- Final recommendations to be considered by councillors will be developed based on survey feedback and additional business case modelling early in the new-year. Options and recommendations will then be reviewed by Council so decisions can be made on next steps.
- Formation of a ‘Friends of Anderson House’ group is currently under discussion. It is proposed that this group would act as an advocacy and advisory group with representation from a number of different sectors including, heritage buildings, tourism, arts, events and education.