Projects $20m fillip for CBD

Upgrading the Theatre Royal and building a multi-purpose cultural facility nearby would bring a much-need revitalisation to the south end of Stafford St, business owners say.

The plan has been lauded for what it may mean for the top-end of Timaru’s central business district - but there has been a new challenge for the council to develop a blueprint for that part of town.

Timaru CBD Group chairman Allan Booth said the possible up to $11.2 million upgrade of the Theatre Royal, and the chance of a heritage facility next door, would be good for the south end of town - but it needed to be part of a longterm vision for the whole of Stafford St.

Booth’s comments followed the release of proposals pitched for the Timaru District Council’s longterm plan which include an upgrade to the theatre, and a new, up-to-$12 million multi-purpose heritage facility connected to it which may stimulate the growth of a cultural precinct down town.

The proposals are being seen as positive news by business owners around the theatre, as well as the region’s chamber of commerce and economic development agency.

Booth said while he supported the idea, more needed to be done for the entire CBD.

‘‘There needs to be a long-term vision,’’ he said.

‘‘We need to work towards getting a long-term plan for the city which the council could use to act upon, and future councils to act upon.’’

Booth said the possible upgrades would be good for the south end of town but ‘‘a number’’ of things needed to be done before any decision was made.

‘‘There is a whole lot of discussion which needs to happen before anything goes ahead.’’

Timaru District deputy mayor Richard Lyon said the council did not own all the properties in Stafford St therefore it would be ‘‘very difficult’’ for them to present a blue print for the future of the CBD.

South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wendy Smith said he proposed upgrades would provide an injection of life into the south end of town.

‘‘Additional investment would certainly build on the other developments that are taking place and the theatre would increase its * Outlines council projects and spending over 10 financial years * Significant additions are sent to the public for feedback * Community boards consider the preliminary draft long term plan this week * Council considers it in February; public consultation is in March * Public hearings are set down for April 30-May 2 * Plan adopted, rates set in June attractiveness to touring shows and a wide range of performances,’’ Smith said.

‘‘There is quite an entertainment cluster developing including The Speight’s Ale House, Street Food Kitchen, a new bar being proposed at Bar1 and of course The Oxford, Koji and the recently revamped and redeveloped Cheng’s restaurant amongst others.

The south end of town was ‘‘growing in its attractiveness to businesses with unique and eclectic offerings increasing’’.

It would have a flow on effect, she said.

‘‘Investment always follows investment and provides the confi- * Theatre Royal redevelopment (back): 8.7m * Theatre Royal redevelopment (front): $2.5m * Heritage centre: $11m-$12m * Water metering: $15m * Shared urban tracks: $1m * Washdyke water improvements: $6m * Chlorination of Geraldine, Pleasant Point water: $200, 000 * Timaru Botanic Gardens new paths: $76,000 * Sportsfield drainage: $25,000 over 10 years * Double glaze Timaru library: $180,000 * Peel Forest Walkway/cycleway: $410,000 * Significant natural areas fund increase: $1.7m over 10 years * Titarakihi Creek flood mitigation $100,000 Source: TDC white pages proposals summary dence that other businesses often look for.

‘‘The concept of a cultural precinct would add to the offerings that are being seen and developments such as The Vault on George, the Sewing Centre, ensur- ing that the south end of town is getting quite busy.’’

She said a range of businesses could look to position themselves near to the theatre.

Aoraki Development chief executive Nigel Davenport said a vibrant CBD was ‘‘all about people’’, therefore any area that was attracting people and increasing foot traffic would be an obvious attraction to anyone in business or anyone looking to set up new business.

‘‘This needs to be part of a long term co-ordinated plan for the Timaru CBD that all businesses, property owners and the wider community can all buy into it. Ultimately everyone in Timaru District benefits from a vibrant, interesting CBD as it’s an attraction to visitors and locals alike.’’

Newmans MusicWorks owner Kent Smith said the proposal was an exciting one.

‘‘Something really needs to be done to the theatre as it won’t get used anymore in its present condition,’’ Smith said.

‘‘If nothing’s done become a white elephant.’’

He said the idea would bring a ‘‘new lease of life’’ into the south end of town.

He has been in the south end it will of town since 1993 and said over the past few years it had got ‘‘a lot quieter down this end of town’’.

‘‘This end of town needs to be tidied up nicely and I think the Theatre Royal upgrade will help.

‘‘Hopefully it will become a bit of a central hub.’’

Any possible work needed to be well thought out though, he said.

The Oxford owner Clarissa Doran said she was excited to see the idea was being discussed.

‘‘Anything for the southern end of town is great,’’ Doran said.

‘‘It’s great to see some investment in that end may happen and will bring more people here.’’

Timaru Civic Trust chairman David McBride said the proposals would be discussed at the trust’s meeting next Monday.

‘‘The trust sees the south end as an area of town needing improvement.’’

Lyon said the proposals would be discussed at community board meetings this week, ahead of council deliberations next month.

Public consultation on the draft long-term begins in March. ‘‘We want to know what the people think about the ideas,’’ Lyon said.