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Future makeover for Taupo CBD

Taupo District Council

Tuesday 5 May 2009, 10:27AM

By Taupo District Council

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TAUPO

Some innovative ideas for a new look Taupo CBD were presented to and discussed by Taupo District Councillors last Friday and options are now available, showing what our town could be like in years to come.

Mayor Rick Cooper says it’s about creating an exciting, vibrant CBD that our local people feel really proud of. “We want our CBD to be a place where people want to be, want to eat, want to shop and want to meet up with friends,” he said. "If we love what we have in our town then we can be sure that any tourists will love it too."

“We are really excited about the future direction and we look forward to receiving thoughts from our community,” said the Mayor.

Public open days are being held in the foyer of the Great Lake Centre Foyer on Thursday 21 May from 4.00pm – 7.00pm and Friday 22 May and Saturday 23 May from 10.00am – 2.00pm. These sessions will provide an opportunity for people to come and view a range of plans and options and put forward their ideas for the development of the CBD.
Environmental Services Group Manager Gareth Green said thank you to those who have been involved in the process to date. “We really appreciate the feedback so far and the contribution from our key stakeholders including TownCentre Taupo, the Chamber of Commerce, Destination Lake Taupo and town centre landlords. Come and see us at the open days and let us know if you think we are on track with our plans. This is a key piece of work that will be most successful with our whole community’s buy-in.”
Mr Green said that Council will continue to offer opportunities for everyone to have their say.
Gilbert Rochecouste and his "internationally acclaimed" team from Village Well, who carried out ‘placemaking’ research in Taupo earlier this year, also presented a range of ideas and opportunities to Council. “The lake, mountains and river provides Taupo CBD the backdrop to become a world class destination with great cultural and retail experiences. The bones are there to connect all the dots to help create an appealing provincial town.”