Nelson pub at risk of closure under council civic centre plans
The popular Nelson pub, The Free House, faces potential closure as the city council considers three development options for a new civic centre. The owner, Eelco Boswijk, expressed surprise at the inclusion of his site in the council's plans and hopes for integration into any new design.
Why it matters
The situation illustrates the tension between urban development projects and the preservation of established community hubs and local businesses.
A popular Nelson pub in a 100-year-old former church could face closure under one of the city council's multi-million dollar options for a new library, community hub and civic centre.
The council is proposing three options : developing the current Civic House and the adjourning Savings Bank and State Advances sites at a cost of $73.3 million; or building a new hub, library and civic space in Collingwood Street for $74.1m, or in Church Street for $88.2m.
Under the Collingwood Street option, The Free House would be replaced with a new building.
The pub, which was established in 2009, has become a regular meeting place for many groups including knitters, singers, backgammon players and mountainbikers, among many others.
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