Buy-in from Tokoroa businesses essential to CBD plans
Tokoroa businesses are taking action after years of watching the South Waikato town’s central business district die.
Town Centre Development Group urban and economic development consultant Karen Remetis, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the field, has stepped in to work with business and commercial property owners to establish a Tokoroa Central Business District (CBD) Business Association.
The association, in collaboration with the South Waikato District Council, will establish a Business Improvement District (BID) programme funded through a target rate. Money will be used on activities and/or initiatives decided upon by the association that promote economic growth in the area.
Remetis, who has worked on similar plans for Howick Village and Takapuna Beach, said it was time Tokoroa’s business network started thinking outside the box when it came to addressing the dying town centre.
‘‘Back in the 1990s, big-box retail was the first thing that absolutely hollowed out a lot of town centres and then we had the Building Amendment Act, which required buildings to be up to a certain standard, and an increase in online shopping,’’ she said.
‘‘You can’t go back to how our towns were, we are changing and people have got to accept that change.
‘‘We have got to start thinking outside the box when it comes to vacant retail space, whether it is opening it up for light commercial or residential development.
‘‘Our towns are here ... to create a wonderful atmosphere and provide services for people.’’
Remetis said Tokoroa’s art and carving scene was something she would like to see explored further.
‘‘A good example of how this could work is Whanganui where right in the centre of town there is a split-level glassblowing premises,’’ she said.
‘‘You walk in to beautiful blown glass that you can buy and when you look down there is a huge hole in the floor to the lower level where the glassblowing is taking place.
‘‘There are other alternatives like that which we have got to start searching out.’’
She said an interim committee comprising 11 people had been set up to get the ball rolling.
‘‘We have had five meetings so far . . . It is complex and there is a heck of a lot to do but I think it is going to be great.’’