Construction work is under way to develop the building at 31 Taupo Quay into a new Visitor Information Centre for Wanganui.

On Friday, March 26, the council confirmed the construction contract and that the project will incorporate the i-SITE Visitor Centre, an exhibition space featuring an audio-visual presentation of 'The Wanganui Story', a sub-leased café, upstairs residential apartment, and an ATM machine. The latter three items will generate additional income for the council.

"The Visitor Centre will be the first port of call for visitors, tourists and locals seeking information about our beautiful district," Mayor Michael Laws said.

"It will be complemented by the completion of the new Southern Entranceway, and the start of our nationwide promotion campaign. All three projects will play a pivotal role in making Wanganui a premier destination for both new migrants, visitors and tourists."

Deputy Mayor Dot McKinnon is delighted that the next step in revitalising Wanganui's riverfront is under way.

"A new Visitor Centre has been on the council's agenda for many years and it's exciting that at last it is coming to fruition. It will provide a total visitor experience, but it will also be a place Wanganui residents can enjoy beside our world-class riverfront.

"While the Visitor Centre is a significant project in its own right, it is just the beginning of what council hopes will be an ongoing major project for revitalising the riverfront precinct. That public consultation process is already under way."

In October 2009, Wanganui District Council approved a concept design by Void Architecture for the new Visitor Centre complex at 31 Taupo Quay (the former Tearaway building).

The concept has since been developed and the $2.03M construction contract has been let to Houghton & Gemini Pepper Construction, a Wanganui contracting firm.

"The estimate was $1.56M for the project but we are confident of gaining external monies for the project and income from the additional amenities. This will be the reference point for 'the Wanganui experience'. It must be outstanding."

Activity has begun on-site this week with the erection of security/safety fencing, and demolition of the interior. The Visitor Centre is scheduled to open in spring 2010. Council and the contractor will use best efforts to minimise disruption to businesses and members of the public in that area during construction.

In response to concerns raised at a riverfront development public meeting recently, council has agreed to remove the proposed 24/7 toilet from the project. Toilets will be available inside the Visitor Centre during its opening hours.

Cr McKinnon said some aspects of the total design concept were not included in the council's costs.

"We are keen to explore opportunities for external funding and sponsorship of some key components of the project, such as the glass museum, Wanganui bush display, topographical map table and audiovisual experience."

A number of operators have expressed interest in the café lease and it is expected to have a lease in place within six to eight weeks.

View the Visitor Centre floor plan and architect's designs on this page.

Wanganui's War Memorial Conference and Convention Centre has been chosen as the venue for the National Floral Art Society's annual conference and five-yearly national exhibition FloravisionNZ 2010.

The exhibition attracts floral artists from throughout New Zealand who will be competing for the prestigious title of Designer of the Year.

The exhibition is open to the public with tickets available at the door.

The event has received funding from Wanganui District Council's Impact Fund. The Impact Fund supports projects which will generate significant economic benefits to the city and district.

Pictured is a design by Margaret Wilkin.

Go to www.fasnz.org.nz for more information.

The fifth round of the New Zealand Jetsprint Championship will be held at the Shelter View course at Upokongaro on Saturday, April 10 – and this event will be under lights!

Gates open at 4.00pm, with the action expected to finish about 10.00pm Entry is $20 adults, $5 children aged 5-12 years or $45 family (2 adults, 2 children). No pets allowed.

Go to www.v8jetsprints.co.nz for more information.

Wanganui District Council is supporting this event through the Impact Fund. The Impact Fund supports projects which will generate significant economic benefits to the city and district.

Wanganui District Council invites SuperGold card holders to take advantage of a free parking trial until the end of May.

Wanganui Grey Power made a submission to the Council's 10-Year Plan 2009-2019 suggesting we provide free parking for SuperGold card holders between certain hours.

The trial scheme offers free parking along Victoria Avenue from 8.30am to 10.00am, Monday to Friday. The trial period ends on 31 May 2010 and the council will then decide whether to continue the scheme.

If you have a SuperGold card and wish to participate in this trial, please contact Customer Services on 349 0001 or visit this page for an application form to receive your free parking voucher.

Wanganui District Council is calling for proposals for site specific sculptural works to be permanently sited along the riverside walkway and Somme Parade shared pathway (pictured), for the inaugural Sculpture Wanganui 2010 event.

Sculpture Wanganui 2010 is offering a first prize of $35,000 for the construction and installation of a permanent sculptural work. 'People's choice' and runner-up prizes may also be offered.

The event runs between September 25 and October 11.

Cr Nicki Higgie, spokesperson for arts, is excited about this new event in the Wanganui arts calendar.

"Sculpture Wanganui 2010 offers artists a new and exciting opportunity to exhibit their work in a fantastic location. It has the potential to become the best Australasian sculpture event and will be a major focus for arts in the city.

"The riverfront area is undergoing a redevelopment with a new Visitor Centre opening later this year. This area will become a bustling hub for both visitors and locals alike. Public art, in the form of sculpture, will enhance the area further and underlines council's commitment and support for the city's thriving arts scene.

"We are hoping that the event will attract a large number of entries from across the country and internationally. Over time we will create a significant body of work that will become a visitor attraction in its own right and have international significance."

Call for proposals

Written submissions should describe the conceptual intent of the proposed work, dimensions, proposed materials, engineering requirements and calculations. Scaled concept drawings and a maquette of the proposed work should also be included. An up-to-date portfolio is also desirable.

Proposals should be sent or delivered to Don Hunter, Sculpture Wanganui 2010, Wanganui District Council, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui.

For further details about the competition contact Don Hunter, Arts Coordinator, email Don Hunter, phone (06) 349 0001 ext 8415, mob 027 289 6479.

Proposals must be received by midday on Friday, 16 April 2010.

Details about the following vacancies are available on this page:

Children's Book Champion
Applications close 19 April 2010

Team Member Children's Services
Applications close 19 April 2010

The Wanganui District Council is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

We welcome members of the public to attend our meetings

Finance and Infrastructure – Tuesday, April 13 (Council Chamber, 3.00pm)
- Finance and Corporate Activity Report – Part 1; Statements of Intent; Local Authority Elections October 2010; Customer Services Group Activity Report; Economic Development Activity Report; Visitor Committee; Infrastructure Projects Update; Request for Street Renaming – Maria Place Extension; Property Group Activity Report – Part 1; Unauthorised Pruning of Protected Tree No 4 Cnr Liverpool Street, Halswell Street and Somme Parade by Council Contractors; Schedule of Sealed Documents; Financial Commitments. Confidential Items: Finance and Corporate Activity Report – Part 2; Property Group Activity Report – Part 2.

Wanganui District Councils' Forestry Joint – Tuesday, April 20 (Committee Room 2, 2.00pm)

Council – Monday, April 26 (Council Chamber, 3.00pm)
- The Council will consider the reports from Committee meetings held in March and April 2010 along with reports direct to Council.

Agendas are available at the Customer Services Counter, Municipal Office Building, 101 Guyton Street, Wanganui, and the Wanganui District Library two working days prior to the meeting.