One of the men behind the plans for the Steamer Basin wants it to be driven by someone with the right skills and knowledge needed for such an ``ambitious'' project.
Animation Research Ltd chief executive Ian Taylor and Damien van Brandenburg, of Architecture Van Brandenburg, presented their plan for the harbourside development to a supportive audience of about 200 at an Otago Chamber of Commerce lunch in Dunedin yesterday.
Instead of the proposal being driven by a committee inside an organisation like the Dunedin City Council, Mr Taylor said it needed to be driven by a skilled individual.
"We need to hire someone who has the skills and connections who can drive this project to where it needs to go over the next four or five years.''
Mr Taylor asked those attending to consider what this project would mean for their grandchildren.
"Let's say yes to it as grandparents and think about what impact this will have for our grandchildren and what kind of city they will live and work in.''
He used the story of his own company as an example of what could be done in Dunedin when ambitious and talented people were involved.
Those who attended the event yesterday were mostly supportive of the Steamer Basin plan.
Firebrand managing director Rebecca Twemlow said other business owners she had spoken to were supportive of the proposal.
As well as local and central government, the city's businesses needed to take a lead role in progressing the plan.
"I think the city's businesses also need to play their part and get in behind what Ian and Damien are trying to put forward.''
If she had one criticism it was the timeline of 30 years, which she would like shortened.
"In my mind I can imagine going down to the waterfront hearing a presentation by someone from Google but if it takes 30 years I'm not going to be around.''
Impact Consulting director Lindsay Dey said he felt the business community would come together as it did when Forsyth Barr Stadium was proposed.
There was much more excitement than there had been with the stadium, as there were a lot more potential positive impacts for the city from the harbourside proposal, Mr Dey said.
John Whitaker, of Farra Engineering, said he was behind the proposal as long as the surrounding land continued to be zoned industrial.
"The proposals we have opposed in the past were mainly about having the land rezoned but we are happy with everything that has been put forward so far.''
Dunedin residents will have an opportunity to get a close-up look at the proposal when Mr van Brandenburg's architectural models go on display at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum today.
Information about the project will also be available and people will be able to leave feedback.
Related Stories
Comments
"Impact Consulting director Lindsay Dey said he felt the business community would come together as it did when Forsyth Barr Stadium was proposed.
There was much more excitement than there had been with the stadium, as there were a lot more potential positive impacts for the city from the harbourside proposal, Mr Dey said"
Just great! May I ask how much Taylor and the Business Community going to be putting up for this 'flight of fancy'???? Or in the similar (to what happen with the Stadium) Machiavellian way have they plans in place for us the ratepayers to be picking up the tab!