Corporate welfare or vital stimulus?
The question of how to improve retailing in the CBD remains a constant issue for council candidates and voters alike.
New candidates often have ideas on how make the retailing offer better while incumbents point out improvements happening through existing, though sometimes controversial, council policies.
The Upper Hutt City Council has developed an economic stimulus package which encourages businesses to start-up in or re-locate to Upper Hutt. Financial help, on a scale relative to the investment being made, is available for new builds or re-fits.
The package is not new, having been adopted by the council previous to the soon-to-disband 2013-16 team.
Supporters of the $500,000 a year package point to a reduction in CBD vacancy rates and the arrival of new businesses.
Critics, such as the Taxpayers’ Union, argue the policy amounts to corporate welfare and that handouts are the wrong way to spend ratepayer money.
The council also has a separate $2.3 million CBD development policy which has been accessed by Ganson Management, owners of The Mall
In the past financial year $500,000 was given to Ganson for its redevelopment of the derelict Hannahs and Hallensteins sites and the revamp of Ashford Ln.
These major polices are augmented by other spending, including street beautification and asset improvement programmes.
Today, in our election coverage, we asked the last candidates being profiled what needed to be done to help retailing in the CBD. Although Main St business owner Vicki Amai-Waiwai is standing for council for the first time, she decided to stand around the time of the last election.
Time constraints meant she decided to wait and instead run this time around.
‘‘I thought if Upper Hutt survived the super city amalgamation, which they did, I’d be there.’’
Amai-Waiwai has owned the Stunning Hair salon for five years and is proud to be Upper Hutt born and bred.
Married with a blended family of five, Amai-Waiwai has long been involved with community groups, is a Soldier with the Salvation Army and is involved with the Te Omanaga Hospice, Orongomai marae and the city’s Business Professional Women group.
‘‘I can offer Upper Hutt a strong and trusted voice on council.
‘‘Local government only works if there is genuine input from the community.’’
On improving retail in the CBD
Keeping our parking sufficient, convenient and free is a blessing. Providing shopper amenities, particular attention should be devoted to providing clean and tidy rest rooms, benches and shade trees. Approaching the many landlords of spaces for lease to keep their property clean, tidy and painted in and out to attract potential newbusiness.
On improving retail in the CBD
Improve range of services/products canvas existing retail, identify gaps and fill them. Look and Feel - add live music, fountains, water features and wind sculptures, so people will linger. Protect shoppers from the elements by creating more roof space. Permit housing in CBD to give a ready supply of shoppers. Edge of CBD should attract people to the area.