Renovations and the expansion of businesses big and small are occurring throughout Cromwell and Alexandra. Central Otago reporter Jono Edwards talks to some of those involved in the towns’ changing commercial landscape.
The fact businesses are developing and expanding in Alexandra and Cromwell demonstrates their faith in the growth of the towns.
Placemakers Alexandra is moving from its location on Centennial Ave, where it has traded since 1973, to a building four times the size in the town’s industrial area.
The new building will have an 850sq m showroom area, a 4000sq m yard and be shared with Mico Bathrooms.
Owner Brent Stanley said the growth of the town and the business was "certainly" part of the reason for the move.
"It gives us confidence that more people are coming to the town. Growth is a part of any good business."
The business outgrew the building, which became structurally unstable, he said.
"It was 10 years overdue. The ground is uneven, so we needed to get out of there, really."
It was hoped to be open in May and would require about three extra staff.
He would not comment on the cost of the renovation.
Another business outgrowing its location is the Cromwell Pharmacy.
The town’s only pharmacy is expanding, creating a second store in a building which was previously a Stirling Sports by the town’s i-Site.
Owner Jackie Hamilton said the current store reached "critical mass", having already extended opening hours.
The business needed to open the new store, which would be called Lake Dunstan Pharmacy, to maintain customer experience.
"We’ve seen a big lift even from last year. Although part of that is due to temperature. People have had less good weather so have spent more time shopping than down at the lake."
There would be "considerable" renovations to the building, and would require the hiring of up to three new employees.
It would be partly in competition with the first store, but would largely cater for travellers who stop to visit the i-Site and surrounding cafes.
Nearby is The Gate, which is the result of a $3 million upgrade and rebranding to the Golden Gate Lodge. Renovations finished in December.
It now contains an information centre and cafe, a and new Five Stags restaurant to complement its 47-room Harvest Hotel.
General manager Glen Christiansen said the reconstruction was a way of keeping up with Cromwell’s growth.
"Also, the clientele has changed. Gone are the days of people drinking in the bar all day. People want a bit more vibrancy."
They had "strong" trading in accommodation this summer and were very happy with the business and feedback, he said. In Alexandra, its New World is in the middle of a $10 million redevelopment, which will result in the building expanding by more than 40%.
Owner-operator Kevin Ryan said he had been waiting to expand the store for about six years and had "certainly" seen an increase in business in that time.
"Last year was exceptionally busy because of the great summer. This year hasn’t been quite so good, but there are still a lot of people coming through."
He had faith in the steady growth of Alexandra and wanted to keep up with that, he said.
Central Otago Mayor Tim Cadogan said the various developments in the towns were a "fantastic" stamp of confidence from the commercial sector.
"I was lucky enough to have a personal tour of the new Placemakers-Mico building and it’s just staggeringly big.
"Those large developments, and smaller ones, just show the overwhelming support of that sector."
