DOING THE MAHI
Three significant projects took a big step towards delivery in the last month. It’s very rewarding to see them reach this next milestone, for council officers and for the public. They are all high-profile projects that have historic significance but also are pivotal pieces of work in the forward planning of our city.
First, the demolition of the civic and library building in the centre of town is now underway. It will be slow, careful work to remove this building that takes up most of the block. The demolition work is being carried out in an environmentally sustainable way. This will help us reach Green Star 5 rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council for the new build. Processes used to take away the existing building are as important as the processes used to construct the new one.
It is also very gratifying to be taking the next steps in the construction of a War Memorial for Napier. This project has had a long preparation period and the time has now arrived to start work on the rebuild. Our main goal is to create a site with which we can commemorate those who gave their lives during times of war. It will be a sanctuary, and a place of contemplation.
We have also recently secured funding to help us with the first stages of a significant transportation project at Carlyle Street. This is a pivotal gateway to the city and an important connection between the city centre, suburbs and routes out of Napier. Our focus will be the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and motorists using this busy route. We also have an opportunity to make this area a welcoming entry statement to the city, with elements that include some of the history of this place.
All three of these projects, and these sites, are high profile and high priority for Napier City Council. They all represent part of our desires and ambitions for our city, and they all have the potential to be landmarks for future generations.
It’s rewarding to see them take their next steps towards completion. As much as there are long journeys ahead for all three, due to their large-scale nature, we have taken those first vital steps. We can see that ahead of us is the rich reward that comes after hard work, focused thought and a collective desire to do the best by our city.