The Dux and The Arts Centre Saga: Council Emails Released (Part One)
Emails show: in early '23 a council head warned councillors & the Mayor, the Arts Centre's failure posed a big risk, communication issues & the entanglement of the Centre's future & "Dux" restoration.
Rendall’s mention of the Redux group blindsided Aldridge.
“I wasn’t ware of discussions with Redux - can you fill me in please?”
Rendall’s reply came swiftly.
“Philip
The Mayor’s office have received a request from Redux “to meet with Council staff / one of Phil’s team to share new details.”
“I’ve been asked to do this (ie meet to listen to new details),” added Rendall, as if to convey he had no choice in the matter. The word ‘listen’ was underlined.
“Any Council discussion on the Dux must be and will be with the Arts Centre,” wrote Rendall, probably to reassure Aldridge.
“Thank you - that is appropriate and appreciated. P,” Aldridge replied.
Emails between Arts Centre director, Philip Aldridge, and Christchurch City Council’s Head of City Growth and Property, Bruce Rendall, in February 2023
“Financially, Council may face significant ongoing exposure to the Arts Centre through the operating grant discussions. Given that the Council may be seen as the “owner of last resort” should the Trust fail, then the ongoing financial viability of the Arts Centre as a whole is more of a priority and staff will concentrate their efforts on this component.”
Rendall delivers a warning to city councillors and Mayor Phil Mauger in March 2023.
According to council officer Daryl Hall, on 3 August 2022, Philip Aldridge, the Arts Centre Director sent him a text message -
“Hi Daryl, Philip Aldridge here. As you may know we have been working with a third party to develop an ambitious plan for the Student Union (the Dux) at the Arts Centre. It isn’t going to work sadly. It will hit the media soon. The Mayor may appreciate a briefing. Let me know. Thanks. Philip.”
The Arts Centre had rejected the Redux group’s proposal to do up the building in return for a half-century-long, rent-free lease.
Pictured: The former Student Union/Dux de Lux
Hall told then Mayor Lianne Dalziel and council officer, Jocelyn Ritchie. Mayoral candidate, Phil Mauger waded in, promising to find a way forward to make the Dux restoration happen.
Council chief Bruce Rendall became an unofficial intermediary between Redux, who were hellbent on reviving the Dux inside the derelict former Student Union building, and The Arts Centre, led by its director Philip Aldridge.
Almost seven months later, in March 2023, Rendall not only gave his opinion on the Redux group’s proposal and whether to lend money to them. He went a step further, for the Dux restoration was merely a pawn on a larger playing surface that concerned the Arts Centre’s future.
Greasing The Wheel - Negotiations Begin To Restore the Dux and Explore Funding For The Arts Centre
In the wake of the Arts Centre’s rejection, on 12 October 2022, Phil Mauger (and Darel Hall) met Philip Aldridge at the Arts Centre. The Council refers to this and a second meeting as “passing conversations”.
Darel Hall, Principal Policy Advisor in the Office of Mayor and Chief Executive, noted that “Philip agreed to send an outline to Phil about how to progress the Dux project based on a model of funding coming through the Arts Centre to support the Dux. This will happen in a few weeks’ time.”
On 3 November 2022, Aldridge wrote to Mauger and Hall.
“Kia ora Phil,
“Many thanks for dropping in the other day. I’d very much appreciate the opportunity to pursue our discussions regarding finding a mechanism to fund The Arts Centre, concluding discussions on rating, exploring other mechanism for support (insurance) and advancing discussions on the restoration of The Dux. What is the best way to advance this? Best wishes, Nga mihi, Philip.”
On 3 November, Hall followed up with Aldridge by email (cc’ing Mauger) to ask for a timeline for the funding model and also mentioned obtaining external rates advice and tax without going into any detail.
36 minutes later, Aldridge responded -
“Hi Darel,
Re The Student Union - the model we envisage is relatively straightforward. As per that outlined by Phil (in 2) below)
Secure the mechanism for funding The Arts Centre so that we stabilise its long term future.
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