Good, High St corner upgrade
A much awaited redevelopment is set to begin on Rangiora’s High Street at the start of June.
The building on the corner of High St and Good St that was the home of Good Street Deli, Vivo hair and Rangiora Pharmacy will get an overhaul.
New tenants are already lined up.
It was originally thought the building would have to come down following extensive earth- quake damage, however it will now be completely gutted and refigured with verandahs fitted, but the basic building structure will remain.
Building owner Murray Irvine said it will house eight tenancies and all but two have been snapped up.
Irvine couldn’t go into the exact details of the tenancies however he said they will be made up of a mix of business including a wine bar.
With works set to begin, Irvine said the excitement is building.
‘‘I can’t wait. I think we have an exciting mix of tenancies.
‘‘There are several new businesses and some existing businesses upgrading.’’
While Irvine said he didn’t think Rangiora needed another cafe, he said a wine bar would be great for the town centre.
‘‘I have had so many people saying to me that we need a wine bar in central Rangiora.’’
For Irvine this development is personal one. He has fond memories of drinking coffee on Good St with his mother-in-law and is looking forward to bringing ‘‘a buzz’’ back to the precinct.
Purchasing the building was a natural fit, as he already owns the building opposite which is home to Country Lane and the fish and chip shop.
There are plans to give that side a a ‘‘refresh’’ once the the larger scale works are completed opposite.
Irvine got into real estate 30 years ago when he lost his arm in a hay baler while working on his farm in Ashburton.
Irvine’s wife is from Ashley so he knows the area well.
He said the development of Good and High St is a long term legacy.
‘‘I won’t be here, but my children will and this will stay in the family.’’