Pahiatua Town Centre Beginning Aboveground Works

Excitement is building as Pahiatuaos Town Centre Upgrade progresses, but everyone acknowledges itos been a long process, Tararua District councillor Shirley Hull said.

I am very excited to see the progress in the centre of town, the community will start to see designs they had a part in choosing during the long consultation process, which is great.

Winter is here, but this time next year we will enjoy the new lighting in the centre of town . . .this will bring a new energy to late night shopping.

Currently we are at the peak of disruption which is causing some frustration for businesses,q she said. pBut the Bio Filter Gardens outside Simons Motorcycle Shop, includes drainage capacity which will assist with the reduced flooding of Main Street.q

But despite a wet, cold winter, work continues, Stuart Malins, the Project Manager said.

I feel sorry for the guys in the trenches on a miserable cold day,q he said. pThey have had to work in bitterly cold conditions.q

Councillor Hull has spent time talking with local business owners to find out how they are coping.

Local photography business woman Cindi Kwocksun said, pFor me Iom a positive person and love seeing the improvements taking place. I choose to not let it affect me because there is no point getting upset about a bit of mess and disruption. Sometimes I get caught out, not allowing myself a little extra time to find a park further away than needed but thatos not a major. If I need a business where there are disruptions out front, Iove still managed to get in there.q

Cindi said businesses sheos visited include Farmlands, Black Stump, Revive for a meeting, New World, MacDougalls and Finest Batch Bakery.

They are the ones I visited when the disruptions were right outside their front door literally and I really didnot mind. Itos just about allowing a little extra time.

Plus having a little patienceq she said. Lance Shearman, who is currently building a new facility on Main Street said, pShort term pain for long term gain.q

Pahiatua On Track Chairwoman, Louise Powick said itos exciting to see the landscaping develop in the middle of town.

Even in these early stages, the benefit of opening up the centre strip to connect the sides of the street is evident,q she said. pThe project team is now focusing on street furniture, rubbish bins, iwi design, signage and reinstatement of the Sedcole Flagpole. All these elements will come together to create a stunning space we will be able to enjoy with both visitors and our own community.q

Malins said the sewer team are on the final leg on Kiwi Street, with the water team also on the home straight, up Princess Street, with just 200 to 250 meters to go.

They will then just have the laterals to do and are hoping to be finished by mid-August,q he said. pAbove ground, Morris and Bailey are working on the western side of the bio filter, but have quite a bit of work still to do. Peter Donnelly is working on street ducting between Tui and Mangahao Streets, before taking the power to the electric vehicle charging stations. He will then carry on with the underground work on the footpath from the Medical Centre to Wakeman Street.q

Malins said just one day has been lost to weather and any other slight delays have been more to do with existing services.