Riverfront consultation: Council will listen - 14/05/2010

Mayor Michael Laws today said that the current consultation on the riverfront precinct and development would soon conclude “and council will act upon public priorities and concerns.”

“I want to make it plain that neither council nor myself will prejudge any issue including the tram shed siting. We will listen and make the best decision for the wider Wanganui community.”

Mayor Laws said that he was “reconsidering the current location of the tram shed and seeing if we can make it work within future configurations. I have listened and I have heard: my desire also is for a working tramway that enhances the heritage value of our city.”

“But I also think the tram project might link with the PS Waimarie and the proposed Antiquities Trust. They would complement each other and provide a startling and working attraction for our city.”

Consultation is due to finish next week and Mayor Laws said that most responses had been positive about what council was trying to do.

“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to devise a plan that will promote Wanganui’s wonderful riverfront, and enhance the desirability of our city as a place to visit and live.”

ENDS