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Opening late November the new Bill Richardson Transport World would have to be the new jewel in Southland’s tourism crown.
It is going to be the action attraction, of that there is little doubt for locals & especially visitors.
Updated: Check out the Friday Flashback – Bill Richard Transport World edition.
Whats On Invers were privileged to have a full walk through of what is going to be not only an asset for Invercargill and Southland but also for New Zealand.
Project leader Sally McDonald showed Mike and myself all its glory, some of it yet to be completed. But the walk through showed off the share size, scale and magnificence of it all.
Sally went to great lengths to convey that this is not a museum, its an all round all purpose facility with a restaurant with state of the art kitchens that will cater for any size function.
Strange as it may seem but the restaurant goes under the title of The Grille, and yes, it does have an “e” on the end.
There are conference rooms with all the mod cons and a gift shop along with the vast collection of trucks, wagons, cars and motoring memorabilia that the late Bill Richardson brought from all around the world to have a gleaming resting place here in Invers.
Lots on work to be done before the big opening late November.
The children’s toilets have a Lego theme.
Who recognises this old build facade from Northern Southland?
The mens wash basins.
The mens toilet has one way glass so you get a view of the Transport world displays while you do your business.
The ladies loo all retro.
A room to the side of the Grille cafe is themed as a 1970’s lounge, sit and enjoy a coffee or tea.
Or have a coffee in the 1950’s themed kitchen, just off from Grille cafe.
Grille cafe great food and atmosphere.
Sally says the shop staff won’t just be selling stuff but have the answers to those curly questions “what else is there to do here? where else can we go? where can we stay?”
Sally McDonald also told us with great excitement that the wider tourism industry is starting to beat a path to her door to see how they can incorporate the Bill Richardson Transport World into their workings and schedules.
She says the facility already has a couple of major events under its belt with the New Zealand Transport Awards function and a national conference both held recently.
As its a motoring themed establishment, everything, to the last detail is centred on that theme.
Just check out the door handles, the set up of the restaurant/café. What Sally and her team couldn’t track down, they had it made in the workshop onsite.
And when you call in or get invited to a function there, check out the retro theme, particularly the old kiwi kitsch lounge room and all the retro style hand basins in the rest rooms.
We mentioned earlier that this is a transport world, not a museum so there are things that should interest all members of the family, even a construction zone room for the children to create their own versions of transport magic.
The ever pleasant Sally McDonald is invers born but went away for a while but has come back. She says she got a job with the HW Richardson Group on her return and one thing has lead to another with the creation of the Transport World has become her responsibility.
As for cost of establishing the 15 thousand square metre facility, Ms McDonald politely lets that go one through to the keeper but it won’t be a stretch to suggest that we are talking BIG millions of dollars here, BIG!
The Grille Restaurant and café will be open every day 7.30 – 5 but closed only on Christmas Day.
Our first impression?
This is not just a Southland attraction, its an international attraction and everything reflects that. To our eyes, no detail has been overlooked. This is the business!
The late Bill Richardson would probably have a wry smile if he could see what we have seen.
Prices for the Transport World $25 adults, $15 children aged 5-15, under 5’s free or a family concession for $65
Location, Tay St eastern end of Invers as you drive in off SH1 from Dunedin
The Bill Richardson Transport World will be opened officially later this month.
Keep up to date Like the Bill Richadrson Transport World Facebook page.
