THE Ōtorohanga District Council has proposed empty retail space be filled with vibrant displays to “shift the main street’s energy.”
Utilising empty retail space is a priority one project in the council’s town concept plan, under a heading of upgrading Maniapoto St.
The council aims to create a program of highly visible temporary creative pop-up spaces or art studios to improve the street’s energy and the ways people can interact in the town centre.
It is set down to happen this year.
A related project for Maniapoto St mentioned in the plan is the protection and restoration of Ōtorohanga’s heritage buildings and the revitalisation of the facades and awnings of all buildings facing onto the street.
The council also aims to conduct a planning and feasibility study to assess design options for upgrading the street.
The report states that this would include establishing a co-design framework in partnership with mana whenua, local businesses and landowners, following which local residents, schools, local sports groups and partner organisations in particular Waka Kotahi and KiwiRail would be involved in the codesign process for the main street.
Both of the latter projects are scheduled for next year.
