Wachner Place Refresh With Clock Relocation Advances

• Invercargill City Council collaborates with Distinction Hotel on Wachner Place Redevelopment.
• Historic clock to be relocated for improved visibility and functionality.

Invercargill City Council is moving forward with plans to revamp Wachner Place including a significant project involving the Distinction Hotel and the relocation of a historic clock, aiming to enhance the area’s connectivity and aesthetic appeal.
Related: Impressive Facade Unveiled for Invercargill’s New Distinction Hotel

The Council’s latest agenda reveals an ongoing collaboration with the Distinction Hotel to develop access routes from Dee Street and improve Esk Street itself. A recent meeting with the Project Governance Group, which includes local government officials and the Distinction Hotel team, resulted in the endorsement of the initial concept plan.

The highlight of the plan is the proposed relocation of the existing clock towards Dee Street, intending to make it a more prominent feature within Wachner Place. This move is part of a broader strategy to accommodate coach travel through the area and enhance the street’s overall functionality and appearance.

The clock, needing a major overhaul, will benefit from the relocation by receiving necessary upgrades to its mechanism and structure, ensuring its preservation and continued operation. The new location is not just a practical move but also aims to improve the visual landscape of the area.

Financially, the project is significant but manageable, with the council planning to contribute $4 million, far less than the council staff price tag of $14 million. Meaning the developer will cover the rest of the cost.

The majority of the construction and design work will be handled by the Distinction Hotel, which reduces the financial burden and risk on the council. This partnership allows the hotel to coordinate the construction alongside their developments, optimising both the timeline and impact of the work.

It’s returning Esk Street West back to what it was with out car access.

Further design discussions and consultations with stakeholders are expected to refine the details of the project, with more comprehensive design plans to be reviewed in subsequent governance group meetings.

This development is part of a larger effort by the council to link the west side of Dee Street with recent upgrades in the adjacent areas, supporting increased activity and business in the city center. The project aligns with the City Centre Master Plan, which aims to strengthen the connection to the core of Invercargill, promising a revitalized urban space that benefits both residents and visitors.