The Rangiora Town Centre Charismatic and Contemporary Exhibition, installed last Friday, has been set up by the Waimakariri District Council to introduce the draft Rangiora town centre strategy.
It provides a look at what the town could look like in the future, offers a reminder of what it used to be like, and allows people a chance to comment on what they want to see happen.
‘‘The success of the Rangiora town centre is vital in ensuring Waimakariri’s economy continues to thrive,’’ Mayor Dan Gordon says in the Draft Rangiora Town Centre Strategy Blueprint to 2030+ consultation document, supplied at the exhibition.
‘‘We are not starting with a blank canvas; much has already been achieved through the successful implementation of the previous Rangiora town centre strategy and our task now is to build on the momentum.’’
The exhibition outlines 10 big projects which include reinforcing the role of High St, connecting the east to the core, developing the BNZ corner, transforming station corner, completing development north of High St, revamping the civic precinct, supporting the Durham St development, enabling opportunities south of High St, providing access to the town centre, and encouraging living in the centre.
The exhibition includes an ideas board where people viewing the exhibition can have their say about what they would like to see in the town, plus a stack of forms should they choose to make a longer submission.
A big-screen television displays a continual slideshow, including comments from Rangiora business owners and people working in the central business district about what features they would like to see in the town.
Hartley School of Performing Arts founder Dale Hartley-Brown wants support for the Town Hall, ‘‘with places to eat and things for people to do after seeing a show’’.
Jenna Broad, of Niche Gifts, wants local retailers to ‘‘work more closely together to market the stylish and unique aspects our town has to offer’’.
Suzanne Snow, of Fresca Mediterranean, would like to see the town centre improved for pedestrians, while Jaden Williams Holland, a member of the Waimakariri District Council Youth Council, wants more greenery in the town centre.
‘‘The environment is really important to young people.’’
