The Roxburgh Entertainment Centre may not be rebuilt on its original site, with the project’s steering group exploring alternative locations for the new facility. 

According to a Central Otago District Council statement on Tuesday (November 4), the steering group met last week to review progress on the insurance settlement and to consider “a community-driven proposal to explore alternative locations for the new facility”.

An indemnity insurance payout of approximately $4 million is expected to be finalised in the coming weeks, with the total sum insured for replacement sitting at $6.4 million. 

The final settlement figure will depend on build costs that reflect a like-for-like replacement, with “any improvements made beyond this replacement” needing to be funded separately. 

The steering group described the rebuild as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a future-proofed facility for the Teviot Valley community”. 

It said the new building should support “community and economic growth”, act as “a central hub for the valley”, encourage “multipurpose and frequent use”, provide “a gathering place for the community”,

and contribute to the “revitalisation of Roxburgh’s town centre”. 

To achieve that vision, the group said it was important to assess whether the current site remained the most suitable location. 

“Community members have suggested alternative sites that could help reinvigorate Roxburgh’s town centre and better meet the community’s long-term needs.” 

The group will meet again in the coming weeks to prepare reports for the Teviot Valley Community Board and Central Otago District Council, seeking approval to formally investigate location options. 

If approval is granted, the project start date will be delayed until March. 

Council will then consider any changes to project scope, timeline, and budget, which may be reflected in the draft Long Term Plan 2027-2037. 

The steering group said it remained “committed to open engagement and to delivering a modern, flexible, and enduring facility that will serve the Teviot Valley for generations to come”.

Fire took hold of the former Roxburgh Entertainment Centre on February 6 and led CODC to deem what remained of the facade unsafe and order full demolition.