Town Centre Refurbishment End In Sight

The Dannevirke Town Centre Refurbishment project is now just weeks from completion with the Ward St ‘green space’ and the footpath to the Gibbard car park being the last areas of main activity.

The most recent addition, the beautiful clock tower gifted to the town by Mrs Gwen Fairbrother and built by local enterprise Metalform, stands proudly on site.

The majority of the street furniture is also now in place, further displaying the design and fabrication capabilities of Metalform engineering. Sanding and sealing of the Marshall paved footpaths is nearing completion.

Resurfacing of High St has enhanced the finished appearance of the upgrade as well as reducing traffic ‘wheel noise’ through the town. Road marking, mainly along State Highway 2 / High St is still to be completed by the NZ Transport Agency.

Many businesses and property owners have taken the opportunity to freshen up their frontages, repairing and repainting to accentuate the sharp new look. This work will continue as a new appreciation of Dannevirke’s special character takes hold.

Reaction to the ‘new look’ has been overwhelmingly positive. Dannevirke has once more become a ‘stopping and shopping’ destination for both locals and visitors, with all commenting on the fresh and vibrant streetscape.

A reconstituted Chamber of Commerce has joined with Dannevirke Promotions & Development and Mainstreet organisations to promote issues of benefit to the town and community. This has received wide support. The Chamber will adopt a ‘long term view’ on how Dannevirke can effectively solve its problems and realise its strengths.

Although the Refurbishment project has been longer than expected this has often been due to necessary extra work, which has added greatly to the thoroughness and permanence of the final result.

Tararua District Council and its main contractor Infracon are grateful for the patience and support shown by the whole community during this historic renewal.

An official opening ceremony is planned, the date yet to be announced, once the Ward St works are completed.