‘Grandiose’ plaza plans concerning

Milton business owners Rachel Wightman and Chris McDonald are seeking reassurances from Clutha...
Milton business owners Rachel Wightman and Chris McDonald are seeking reassurances from Clutha District Council about its planned expansion of a civic space on the town's Gray St. PHOTO: RICHARD DAVISON
Milton business owners are worried it may be too late to amend council plans for a "grandiose" plaza in the town.

Provincial Antiques owner Rachel Wightman and Framing Plus owner Chris McDonald presented multiple concerns to a Clutha District Council service delivery committee meeting last week, relating to a proposed expansion of the Gray St civic space in the town’s centre.

The latest proposal would roughly double the current space to 1000sq m, by expanding into the former Suzie’s Butchery, and a residential property at 6 Gray St.

That would create new challenges for neighbours, including reduced access, increased noise, and reduced security, Mrs Wightman said.

"My business is up the road, but I have commercial and residential tenants neighbouring the proposed area, who will definitely be affected by the expansion of this space into a grandiose plaza, not at all in keeping with Milton.

"I’m not against making improvements, but I’m not confident the impacts on neighbours have been thought through properly by council."

Mr McDonald, whose business adjoins a shared driveway with the former butchery, said access and maintenance were his main concerns.

"We rely on the driveway to access bins, heat pumps and for light.

"We’ve also got some existing shrubbery outside our business which rarely gets maintained.

"I’m all for making this a nicer space for people, but only if it’s properly maintained by council."

Council chief executive Steve Hill said affected parties and community groups would be consulted on final plans before proceeding.

Those were expected next month.

"We’ll apply the principle of being a good neighbour and look to address any concerns through the design process," he said.

The "best case" projection for completion of the project — part of a $2.55million streetscape upgrade including $550,000 destination toilets located at the plaza — was October next year.

Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan said the project was an initial step in a three-year transformation for Milton.

"We believe [these projects will] positively change the future economic trajectory of the town."

richard.davison@odt.co.nz

 

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