Meanwhile, in Tararua Country....

Town set for opening of $4.5m centre

A makeover for Dannevirke

Manawatu Standard | 12 NOON - Tuesday, 29 September 2009

It's taken nine months longer than scheduled and cashed in at $4.5 million, but Dannevirke's new-look town centre is ready to roll.

Tararua District Council contractors have now cleared out of the town's main street, where they have been working on the major upgrade since September 2007.

In their place is a fully refurbished streetscape, complete with imported paving stones, architecturally-designed furniture, elegant balustrades and newly-planted trees.

It also boasts the underground infrastructure for super-fast broadband, and a new town clock, thanks to a $100,000 donation from lifetime Dannevirke resident Gwen Fairbrother.

But the project that took five years from concept to completion had its hairy moments, with work delayed due to weather, a major paving stone mix-up and other unexpected delays.

Some High Street retailers raised concerns during the work, claiming that access to shops had been blocked by contractors and business had suffered. Ratepayers from elsewhere in the district complained their towns were being neglected.

But Dannevirke Chamber of Commerce chairman and third-generation greengrocer Suresh Patel said the wait has been worth it.

"It's fantastic, absolutely fantastic. We are getting so many people just commenting on what a difference it's made in Dannevirke. Countless amounts of people travelling through town just can't believe it."

The feeling in town was positive, with many retailers doing last-minute renovations to their own stores in time for the grand opening this weekend, Mr Patel said.

"They're taking a bit of pride and fixing up their frontages as well — there's a lot of paint work going at the moment. The whole town is sprucing itself up. There's just a really good vibe."

Retailers hoped the new-look centre would entice travellers to stop in Dannevirke, which seemed to be happening already, he said.

A town celebration is planned for this Saturday, with the unveiling of the new town clock and blessing of a locally-carved statue of Papatuanuku at 12pm.

Clowns, dancers, bands, and spot prizes are among the activities, with special guest comedian Ginnette McDonald as Lyn of Tawa.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/2912157/Town-set-for-opening-of-4-5m-centre