2010
On 1 April 2010, Deputy Mayor Dot McKinnon announced that the next step in revitalising Wanganui's riverfront is under way, with construction set to begin on the new Visitor Information Centre.
"Last 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 will generate additional income for the council," Cr McKinnon said.
"A new Visitor Centre has been on the Council's agenda for many years and it's exciting that at last we see 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."
Read minutes (PDF, 39KB) relating to Visitor Information Centre from Council Extraordinary Meeting held 26 March 2010.
On 5 October 2009, Wanganui District Council held a meeting to decide on the new Visitor Information Centre. The council approved a concept design by Void Architecture for the new Visitor Centre complex to be sited at 31 Taupo Quay (the former Tearaway building). Read minutes... (PDF, 45KB)
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 began on-site in the last week of March with the erection of security/safety fencing, and work will begin on demolition of the interior in early April, with the Visitor Centre scheduled to open in spring 2010.
"Council and the contractor will make our best efforts to minimise disruption to businesses and members of the public in that area during construction," Cr McKinnon said.
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 plan of Visitor Centre ground floor (PDF, 849KB)
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