Council to consult on Community Facilities Trust proposal

Hutt City Council is inviting people to have their say on a proposal to establish a charitable trust to manage and develop its leisure and community facilities in Lower Hutt.

Community Services manager Matt Reid says a trust offers several advantages over council operating the facilities.

"This includes more business focused management, a stronger ability to attract community funding, and greater scope to grow partnership opportunities."

Mr Reid says the trust would keep the facilities in community ownership and strengthen community ties.

"The trust will be a council controlled organisation with trustees appointed from the community with business, asset management and sports experience."

Facilities the trust could be used to develop and manage include the Taita Sport and Community Centre and Fraser Park Sportsville.

A copy of the Community Facilities Trust proposal can be picked up from council's building on Laings Road or the War Memorial Library. It is also available at www.huttcity.govt.nz/haveyoursay.

Submissions close 20 January 2012 at 5pm.

For further information contact Scott Dennison, Communications Advisor on 04 570 6847 or email scott.dennison@huttcity.govt.nz