Focus on city centre
Removal of part of the Canopies and further upgrades of Porirua Railway Station are on the cards as part of the Porirua city centre revitalisation programme.
Moira Lawler, the Porirua City Council general manager of strategy and planning, last week told members of the City Centre committee a significant amount of work had been done on designs of the streamside plaza and Ferry Place.
The budget for all city centre work is $2.563 million in the 2013-14 financial year.
The installation of the ice rink in September also prompted lighting improvements in the CBD, according to the committee’s report.
Orange sodium lamps were replaced with white metal halide.
‘‘These improvements have transformed the night-time environment in this area and could be rolled out across the city centre,’’ said council city centre revitalisation co-ordinator Harriet Shelton.
Developments at the railway station include land transfers and the upgrading of the park and ride car park, in conjunction with the regional council.
Ms Shelton said some of the canopy around North City Shopping Centre could be removed, and that background work for the city centre parking strategy had been completed.
The city centre revitalisation has branding from Saatchi & Saatchi and it now appears on street flags and other signage around Porirua.
Feedback from the public, council staff and local businesses has been very positive, Ms Shelton said. Local businesses and council staff are encouraged to use the branding on promotional material for activities and events.
Meanwhile, plans for a business hub in Lydney Pl are being developed.
‘‘The Bizhub is still planned for the city centre, but its location is not confirmed,’’ Ms Shelton said.
The new City Centre committee has three councillors, mayor Nick Leggett and four other members.