People across Tairāwhiti are invited to help shape the future of Gisborne’s city centre, with consultation now open on three options for revitalisation over the next 10 years.
The options explore different levels of investment and change, ranging from lower-cost activation and placemaking through to a longer-term vision for a more vibrant, people-focused city centre connected to the awa. Community feedback will help inform a future City Centre Action and Investment Plan (AIP) and guide future investment decisions.
The consultation focuses on the north-east part of the city centre, including Lowe Street, Gladstone Road, Peel Street and Reads Quay. Improvements in this area could strengthen connections to the rivers, create better public spaces and encourage further investment in the central business district.
Mayor Rehette Stoltz says this is an important opportunity for the community to help shape the direction of future improvements.
"We want to hear from our community about how much change they would like to see and what kind of city centre they want for the future, as well as what type of investment we should make.
“We know funding is limited, so it's important we understand what matters most to our people. "While this project focuses on Gisborne's main centre, we know it serves a much wider community.
“People from across Tairāwhiti come into town to work, shop, access services, attend events and catch up with family and friends.
“That's why it's important we hear from people right across our district, including our rural communities, about what they would like to see in the future."
The three options build on each other and increase in scale over time.
*Option 1 focuses on lower-cost improvements such as events, markets, seating, public spaces and activities that bring more life to the city centre. It also includes transforming part of Lowe Street into a shared space that is safer and more welcoming for people walking and spending time there.
*Option 2 includes everything in Option 1, plus more permanent upgrades such as improved footpaths, safer crossings, new planting, street furniture, and upgrades to key intersections on Gladstone Road and Peel Street.
*Option 3 includes everything in Options 1 and 2, along with larger changes to Reads Quay and the riverfront. It would create more public space, improve access to the awa and provide more opportunities for events, recreation and family activities.
The options represent different levels of investment, ranging from approximately $3.5–4.5 million for Option 1 through to $23–25 million for Option 3. The highest-cost option would require funding from sources outside Council that have not yet been identified.
Council staff and project team members will launch the consultation at the Gisborne Farmers Market this weekend, where you can learn more about the options, ask questions and share your ideas.
To learn more and have your say visit our AIP website page.
Consultation closes on 10 July.
Image: The Action and Investment Plan team is exploring options such as the transformation of Lowe Street between Gladstone and Reads Quay into a new activated shared street for the City Centre.