A positive approach to the future has been taken by the Oamaru Whitestone Civic Trust with a long list of new developments in Oamaru's historic precinct, despite what has been "a year of survival".
Trust chairman Phil Hope's 2010-11 annual report, presented to last night's annual meeting, could be described as good news and bad news.
But the overall thrust was one of optimism - a year of "steady development and building foundations for the future".
"This time last year I reported 2009 was a disappointing year ... For the trust and many of its tenants, 2010 was a year of survival."
In 2009, visitor numbers were reasonable, but in 2010 they dropped away significantly, although since Christmas seemed to be on the increase.
The trust owns, develops and maintains 17 heritage buildings, most in the historic Harbour-Tyne Sts area of Oamaru.
It has continued development of those buildings and found new tenants, along with replacing those who have left.
"Despite the ongoing effects of the recession and the lower number of visitors, it is pleasing to see new tenants establishing businesses in the precinct and for most existing businesses to continue," he said.
One project planned by the trust was to reinstall bedrooms with ensuites in the Connell and Clowes building as an addition to the neighbouring Criterion Hotel accommodation.
In conjunction with the Waitaki Development Board, the trust was investigating leasing the remainder of Neill's building as a venue for a new attraction, adding to the vibrancy of the precinct.
The trust was working closely with Gillies Metaltech on heating options for its buildings, including a new, high technology clean-burning log fire with heat exchangers.
It was planned to have the first units in the Loan and Mercantile Building, now a restaurant operated by Fleur Sullivan, by the end of next month.
Another novel heating concept being investigated was plugs of extremely hot cast-iron which could deliver heat for three to four days.
Other projects by the trust included:
- Retaining the whisky operation in Oamaru in the Loan and Mercantile building.
- Decorating Harbour St, having individuals promenading in Victorian costumes, penny-farthings and street events every weekend during the Rugby World Cup to attract visitors.
- Supporting development of the Oamaru harbour area.
- Sealing the access on the east side of buildings in Harbour St and restricting vehicle access to Harbour St to a loading zone, with the possibility of making it pedestrian-only in the future.
- Investigating rescheduling of annual Victorian fete in Oamaru from Sundays to Saturdays, with other events on Saturday evenings.
