$1 million to enhance streetscape in town

GORE’S streetscape stands to be improved by a milliondollar project soon to be launched by the Gore District Council.

The council has received $900,000 of funding from the NZ Transport Agency to put towards the Streets Alive project.

The council will contribute $100,000 towards the project.

Gore deputy mayor Bronwyn Reid said the project was a chance to look to the town’s future.

‘‘This will be a communitydriven project,’’ Mrs Reid said.

The project would begin towards the end of this month with a public consultation phase, she said.

The council would ask the public for their ideas and opinions on how to improve the streetscape.

This would include community group consultation, a public dropin session and a survey.

She encouraged people to have their say.

‘‘We want to hear from residents about ways we could make our town more peoplefriendly.

‘‘We really want the community to . . . be part of the vision.’’

This was an opportunity to create the future in the way people had done when the town was first settled, she said.

Horse and cart had once been the mode of transport but people looked to the future in building the streets and townscape.

The Streets Alive project aimed to make the town a place with ‘‘vibrant’’ public spaces.

However, safety was also a concern.

The project aimed to improve the streets for older people and people with disabilities.

Streets Alive would be a yearlong project.

After the public had their say, changes would be made on a trial basis.

More feedback would be sought before any permanent changes were made.

The funds were given as part of a national push to make New Zealand streetscapes safer and more enjoyable.

Gore was the first small town in New Zealand to receive this funding, Mrs Reid said.

‘‘We’re in a privileged position.

‘‘Watch out for more information over the coming months about how you could get involved.’’