About 70 people attended a public meeting at the Balclutha War Memorial Hall last night to discuss the $2.6 million upgrade of the town's streetscape which is set to begin this year.
Clutha District Council district assets manager Jules Witt said Queenstown-based Baxter Design Group had been chosen as the project's landscape architect, and public input was needed as to what the upgrade would include.
Baxter Design had identified five component areas for possible upgrade - the Catlins turnoff (Clyde St-High St intersection), John St, the main business area on Clyde St, and areas around the Rosebank shops and Balclutha War Memorial Hall.
Brooke Mitchell, a director of the Baxter Design Group, said the Clutha River bridge at Balclutha could be lit at night for about $185,000.
One resident agreed lighting the bridge would enhance the town, much like the many bridges lit across Europe.
The idea seemed to be well supported by other residents at the meeting.
While not a part of the concept plan, shifting the information centre from the Balclutha War Memorial Hall complex was mooted, with several residents suggesting costing be carried out.
''The area around the memorial hall area doesn't bring people into the town. They will go to the info centre, use the toilets and head off to the Catlins,'' a resident said.
Mr Mitchell said every city and town, no matter what size, had a heart.
John St was the only opportunity with a T-intersection in the heart of the town, he said.
''We need a central place for events to happen ... and have the ability to close off the street to allow the public to enjoy.''
Most agreed a town ''heart'' would be an asset, although not all supported the John St location.
Tom Boyle said John St was drafty and received little sun.
Roy Johnstone said he could not see an alternative location for the town heart.
''We want people to come through the main street and we want them to stop. We need to have an attractive place where people can ... get out of their cars and stop.''
Others suggested introducing signage for existing car parking areas.
''It's a fantastic opportunity. If you can, direct people to free parking where they can stop and walk around the town,'' resident James Creighton said.
About 90 people also took part in an information day from 10am to 4pm yesterday, when they had the opportunity to look at designs and to discuss ideas with council staff and the landscape architect.
Submissions close next Thursday, and a hearing will be held on August 29.
Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan encouraged residents to make a submission in order for the council to make the right decisions.
''We have the chance today ... to create a main street we and our district can be proud of.''
Mr Witt said the next steps would be creating a detailed design and tendering, with construction completed next year.
A total of $2.6 million was budgeted in the long-term plan for the streetscape upgrade, including $400,000 for burying power lines in the main business area and $550,000 worth of footpath upgrades.
The rest of the upgrade depends on the concept design chosen and the outcome of public consultation.
A final design will be confirmed in September.
