A significant retail revitalisation project under way in South Dunedin’s King Edward St has been lauded as an important step forward by the mayor.
Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich said the reopening of a 1934 heritage building in the street this week and ongoing development next door was an important step in the "resurgence of South Dunedin".
"I see the area as being very important to the future of Dunedin, the future of the city."
He pushed back against what he said was "a lot of negative talk" about the area.
"I think of it much more positively than certain parties who have talked about moving away; I think the opposite holds true," he said.
"There’s just some really simple things that we can put in place that will give us lot more confidence in the area and it is my intention to get those infrastructure changes in place so that everybody who lives and works in this area can feel far more confident ... for the foreseeable future."
He said he was focused on the suburb’s next 50 years and he saw a vibrant future for it.
Mr Radich went on to stress the need for convenient and reliable public transport to and from the area.
"We should have a lot more mobility. Good public transport is the hallmark of great cities around the world, no matter what the size," he said.
He congratulated the developer Justin Stott, the contractors and the team for "magnificent efforts".
The development happening in South Dunedin had provided a positive outlook for businesses and workers in the area, he said.
Other ventures in South Dunedin were likely to get a lift as a result of the work and it would complement the Dunedin City Council’s planned South Dunedin community centre and library.
Positive Property Ltd and its director, Mr Stott, are behind the present development.
The developer refurbished 160 King Edward St in a move to modernise the retail area in the street.
The revitalised two-storey building is spread across 300sq m and now houses optical solutions provider Matthews Eyecare and pelvic health physiotherapy clinic The Core Centre.
"It is a positive thing that we are helping two businesses to grow," Mr Stott said.
"Also, it is good for businesses in South Dunedin."
Mr Stott bought the two neighbouring properties last year, which included the former Wolfenden and Russell building.
They have since been demolished to make way for a planned three-level building, at 134-154 King Edward St, including 300sq m of retail and 3000sq m of office space, as well as 40 car parks.
Inflation, Covid-related delays and reports of a coming recession had impacted the development of the new building but there was strong interest from potential tenants and he was talking to "a number of them", Mr Stott said.
"We will have some good news to announce in the new year."
Mr Stott said health businesses, bulk retail players and small retail players were showing tremendous interest to start their operations in South Dunedin.
He did not specify the amount of money he planned to invest, but said it would be "significant".
Matthews Eyecare executive assistant Emma Matthews said staff were excited to move into the renovated building.
"It is incredibly exciting to be in South Dunedin and to serve the community here."
