Monday, Jan 28, 2019
Since Sept 27, 1879
Retail $1.80 Home delivered from $1.25
THE INDEPENDENT VOICE OF MID CANTERBURY
www.guardianonline.co.nz
Ideas flowing for A birthday CBD revitalisation milestone P3
Allenton on the charge P24
BY SUE NEWMAN
SUE.N@THEGUARDIAN.CO.NZ
Ashburton’s town centre might be more shabby than chic today, but there are big plans on the drawing board that will see it begin its transformation into a vibrant community space. It might be a slow burn project, one that’s been talked about for several years, but it’s a project that’s very much alive and moving forward, says district councillor Diane Rawlinson. She chairs the Ashburton District Council’s town centre sub-committee and said she’s anticipating the first draft design plan is likely to become public property in March. Last week the group held a brainstorming session with the project’s design team from AECOM. It was an open forum where all ideas were on the table and would become part of the greater pool of ideas that would be considered for the project, Rawlinson said. “We’ve already had the community submission process with ideas from that taken on board and we have some good ideas from the youth council. This was an opportunity for councillors to express their ideas.” The draft plan was likely to be a blending of ideas, she said. Last year councillors approved a scheme plan for the town centre that looked at the project from a transportation perspective. Tenders were called for design work that covers underground services,
plantings, pavings, street furniture and the overall look and feel of the area. This was awarded to AECOM. While the plan for the town centre was focused in most minds on how the area would look, there was a major step that had to be completed before this work could begin, Rawlinson said. “First and foremost the underground services have to be upgraded. Looking to the future, there’s no point in doing the town centre and then digging up all the roads.” For the community and the council the unveiling of the draft plan in March would be a significant event, she said. “It’s been a long time coming; this is well overdue. Yes, there’s a lot going on around town but we still have to bring the CBD up to scratch, to make it a place people want to spend time, to come and to linger.” Work on both the underground services and above ground improvements are likely to begin later this year. Right Diane Rawlinson
Happy
New Ears!
Up to $2019 off hearing aids. Plus FREE batteries for the life of the device. Call now to book your free hearing test.* *Terms and conditions apply. Saving valued up to $2019. Offer ends 31/01/19.
Ashburton Blenheim Fendalton Ferrymead Greymouth Halswell Rangiora Stoke
03 307 8949 03 579 5353 03 351 3535 03 376 4483 03 768 5528 03 322 4326 03 310 7355 03 538 0819
Experience. The Difference.
Ph 03 307 7900 to subscribe!