Knocking down buildings and opening up the Cromwell Mall so it can be more easily accessed was the call from a number of people presenting submissions to the Cromwell Community Board yesterday.
Thirteen of a total of 52 submissions were presented at the hearing, with many in favour of a piazza-style centre to provide a gathering point for residents and visitors.
Peter Dymock, from Paterson Pitts Partners Ltd, said the entranceway needed to be large and very visible.
He called for change to the proposed layout so a wide, open entrance could entice people into the centre of the mall.
Many of the submissions expressed concern the town was being split by locating retail businesses such as hairdressers, accountants and travel agents in the new McNulty Rd subdivision.
Mr Dymock said the council needed to change the rules about the size of retail premises to allow for more businesses and retail spaces closer to the town centre.
At present no-one can build a new shop less than 600sq m in size between the mall and the Sargood Estate.
The retail spaces in the mall are much smaller than that.
Howard Christian, representing the Cromwell Community Plan Committee, said the committee supported the concept of a mall upgrade focusing on the existing asset.
There needed to be a place for families to gather and places for children to play.
The idea of a cafe-theatre complex was also discussed.
He was in favour of seeing more nightlife in the town and an art park to the north of the town.
"We need to look at moving or knocking down certain buildings to facilitate and encourage people into the mall," he said.
New Zealand Motor Caravan Association spokesman Gordon Murdoch was keen to see the trees facing State Highway 8B cut down, as people driving past the town were not able to see what was beyond them, so would be less likely to visit the town.
Cromwell Youth Worker Trust spokesman Greg Wilkinson was concerned there was no mention of the town's skate park, which was "a very important asset for the young people".
He was assured by the board there was no intention of getting rid of the skate park, although it was possible it could be moved from its present position between the mall and SH8B.
The board voted to receive the submissions but to defer making a recommendation until more information had been gathered.
Board chairman Neil Gillespie said after the meeting the board would talk to roading authorities and town planning experts about how the concept plan would work with some of the submissions integrated into the existing concept, and whether the roundabouts and car parking would suit the needs of the town.
A report would be brought back to the November meeting.
However, progress had been made which could be acted upon promptly, but it was important the board got it right first time as there would be no second chances, Cr Gillespie said.
