Victoria on the River ready for grand opening
Banh mi Caphe may have snapped up the freshest location in town.
The Vietnamese eatery is situated right next to Hamilton’s new outdoor spot, Victoria on the River, set to open today.
The Hamilton City Council project is a terraced recreation space that connects central Hamilton with the Waikato River.
It will also double as a theatre and performance space and businesses on the edge of the park will be able to open new shopfronts to the public.
Banh mi Caphe owners, Anh and Pat Chaimontree said they jumped at the chance to relocate next to Victoria on the River.
‘‘It’s very exciting, and good to see how we’re starting to turn around and make use of the river views,’’ Anh said.
‘‘It’s probably a first for Hamilton – facing towards the river – so it’s cool to be one of the first to open onto the park, and watch it grow with other outlets eventually opening up in the near future as well.’’
Construction began on Victoria on the River in April last year, transforming the old central city car park into a riverside oasis.
Purple heart, a South American hardwood, has been used for the decking timber. It is a faded brown colour when first cut but adopts a purple hue with age.
Around 400 square metres of concrete with a rock salt finish was also poured, with 180 square metres of basalt paving installed.
Hamilton Mayor Andrew King said the project is a great way to ‘‘activate’’ the city centre – and it is only the beginning.
‘‘It’s about making the city centre a desirable place to spend time and visit, and also encourage people to live in the city centre as well.’’
●➤ Victoria on the River, on Victoria Street, opposite the end of Collingwood St, opens at 5pm, today January 25.