Chamber of Commerce CEO Warns Inner City Redevelopment Alternative “not an option”
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The Invercargill City Council has opened public consultation as to whether it should commit $30 million of investment to the HWCP inner-city redevelopment project but Southland Chamber of Commerce CEO Sheree Carey said the alternative was not an option.
“This project has come too far to not happen. Otherwise we’ll be left with an utterly soulless and empty CBD.”
The redevelopment, headed by public-private partnership organisation HWCP, would bring about hundreds of jobs, boost Southland’s GDP, create a more liveable city and encourage growth through ripple effects.
As well as a place for business to grow, a new CBD will provide a sense of heart and centrality for Invercargill, position the city as an attractive destination and provide increased opportunities for social interaction.
In its current state, the CBD was not fit for business and didn’t give potential new businesses or visitors much faith that business could thrive, Ms Carey said.
“We need a CBD that tells everyone who looks at it that this is where business prospers; what we currently have tells the exact opposite.”
“Most people have a ‘just get it done already’ attitude, but tend to be more conservative with their voices, so we’re encouraging them and everyone else to take a considered approach to their submission and let Council know their thoughts.”
The Southland Chamber of Commerce is asking Southlanders, both individuals and businesses, to send in submissions on the proposed CBD redevelopment.
Ms Carey said the Invercargill City Council’s “Your Money for City Block” consultation period was a great opportunity for Southlanders to tell the council how desperately the city needs the redevelopment.
To submit, visit icc.govt.nz/cityblockconsultation Council’s consultation closes at 5pm on June 28.
https://whatsoninvers.nz/public-meeting-show-of-hands-8020-support-council-investment-in-city-redevelopment/
https://whatsoninvers.nz/consultation-document-new-images-of-planned-redevelopment/