Background
The origins of the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre trace back to 1918, when the Hall was officially vested to the Borough Council, marking the beginning of its role as a community hub. In 1926, the Council demonstrated its commitment to modern entertainment by investing in a projection machine, enhancing the Hall’s capabilities for film screenings. A significant milestone occurred in March 1931, when the Hall was relocated and a new building was opened. Over the decades, the facility underwent various renovations and upgrades, evolving into what was known as the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre. This vibrant venue served the cultural and social needs of the community for over 100 years.
Tragically, on 6 February 2025, the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre was destroyed by fire. Council is working through the insurance claim process and in the first instance, has cleared the property to begin conversations with the community about next steps.
Moving forward
On 31 July 2025, the Teviot Valley Community Board approved four community members to be on the Project Steering Group (PSG), including Alastair Monteath, Sally Smith, Sarah Moore, and David Weatherall. The board's representative will be TVCB member Curtis Pannett and Councillor Martin McPherson. Also on the Project Steering Group are CODC representatives Group Manager David Scoones, Property and Facilities Manager Garreth Robinson, and Project Manager - Construction Tara Bates. Those members together with the wider community, now has a unique opportunity to reimagine how a new structure, can be shaped to best serve future generations over the next century.
What do I need to consider when thinking about location?
Council, along with the PSG and the wider community have been asked to consider investigating another site for the rebuild of the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre. There are lots of pros and cons (see below) for keeping the existing site and exploring alternate sites (which does include the current location). We welcome your feedback on these at the community meeting.
Updated 9 December 2025
| Proceed with rebuild on existing site |
Pros | Cons |
Site is already owned by Council | Due diligence regarding whether this is the best site won’t be complete. |
Site is cleared and ready for development | L-shaped site which puts some limits on design options |
No additional costs for purchase of land or demolition of existing buildings |
|
The current project scope to rebuild a new building on the existing site has already been approved by Council |
|
The design procurement process can proceed without any further delays |
|
| Explore alternate sites |
Pros | Cons |
Doing due diligence for a “once in 100-year” project ensures the current site is the best option. | Exploring new sites delays the project’s next step (architect procurement) by approx. 4 months. |
A new location with site that is not L-shaped may provide more options for building design. | Cost of approx. $20,000–$40,000 for valuations and reports, funded via insurance (or other Council funding source). |
A location closer to the town centre may attract more foot traffic and building use. | Potential additional costs to purchase privately owned land and demolish existing structures. |
Approval to explore alternate sites does not mean a new site will be adopted; multiple decision points remain:
1. March 2026 – TVCB & Council meeting
2. Draft LTP 2027-28 public consultation March 2027
3. Final Council consider approval post-consultation June 2027 | If Council were to approve an alternate site in March 2026 start or project delayed minimum of 15 months delay until 1 July 2027. |
Share your ideas
Please come to the community meeting on Thursday, 11 December, 7pm Roxburgh Golf Club. There will be a presentation and an opportunity to share your view on the future of the project.
Can't make the community meeting? No problem. Just click on the Location Quick Poll on this page. If you prefer pen and paper, pop into the Roxburgh Service Centre to pick up a short form and let us know which location option you prefer. It's quick and easy! Have your say by noon on 15 December.
We take your privacy seriously. Any personal details you provide will remain confidential.
Please note that comments received for any survey are considered official information and may be released if requested under the Local Government Official information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).
Please read our privacy policy before you begin.
Background
The origins of the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre trace back to 1918, when the Hall was officially vested to the Borough Council, marking the beginning of its role as a community hub. In 1926, the Council demonstrated its commitment to modern entertainment by investing in a projection machine, enhancing the Hall’s capabilities for film screenings. A significant milestone occurred in March 1931, when the Hall was relocated and a new building was opened. Over the decades, the facility underwent various renovations and upgrades, evolving into what was known as the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre. This vibrant venue served the cultural and social needs of the community for over 100 years.
Tragically, on 6 February 2025, the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre was destroyed by fire. Council is working through the insurance claim process and in the first instance, has cleared the property to begin conversations with the community about next steps.
Moving forward
On 31 July 2025, the Teviot Valley Community Board approved four community members to be on the Project Steering Group (PSG), including Alastair Monteath, Sally Smith, Sarah Moore, and David Weatherall. The board's representative will be TVCB member Curtis Pannett and Councillor Martin McPherson. Also on the Project Steering Group are CODC representatives Group Manager David Scoones, Property and Facilities Manager Garreth Robinson, and Project Manager - Construction Tara Bates. Those members together with the wider community, now has a unique opportunity to reimagine how a new structure, can be shaped to best serve future generations over the next century.
What do I need to consider when thinking about location?
Council, along with the PSG and the wider community have been asked to consider investigating another site for the rebuild of the Roxburgh Entertainment Centre. There are lots of pros and cons (see below) for keeping the existing site and exploring alternate sites (which does include the current location). We welcome your feedback on these at the community meeting.
Updated 9 December 2025
| Proceed with rebuild on existing site |
Pros | Cons |
Site is already owned by Council | Due diligence regarding whether this is the best site won’t be complete. |
Site is cleared and ready for development | L-shaped site which puts some limits on design options |
No additional costs for purchase of land or demolition of existing buildings |
|
The current project scope to rebuild a new building on the existing site has already been approved by Council |
|
The design procurement process can proceed without any further delays |
|
| Explore alternate sites |
Pros | Cons |
Doing due diligence for a “once in 100-year” project ensures the current site is the best option. | Exploring new sites delays the project’s next step (architect procurement) by approx. 4 months. |
A new location with site that is not L-shaped may provide more options for building design. | Cost of approx. $20,000–$40,000 for valuations and reports, funded via insurance (or other Council funding source). |
A location closer to the town centre may attract more foot traffic and building use. | Potential additional costs to purchase privately owned land and demolish existing structures. |
Approval to explore alternate sites does not mean a new site will be adopted; multiple decision points remain:
1. March 2026 – TVCB & Council meeting
2. Draft LTP 2027-28 public consultation March 2027
3. Final Council consider approval post-consultation June 2027 | If Council were to approve an alternate site in March 2026 start or project delayed minimum of 15 months delay until 1 July 2027. |
Share your ideas
Please come to the community meeting on Thursday, 11 December, 7pm Roxburgh Golf Club. There will be a presentation and an opportunity to share your view on the future of the project.
Can't make the community meeting? No problem. Just click on the Location Quick Poll on this page. If you prefer pen and paper, pop into the Roxburgh Service Centre to pick up a short form and let us know which location option you prefer. It's quick and easy! Have your say by noon on 15 December.
We take your privacy seriously. Any personal details you provide will remain confidential.
Please note that comments received for any survey are considered official information and may be released if requested under the Local Government Official information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).
Please read our privacy policy before you begin.
