Ashburton’s CBD has received a multi-million dollar face lift, however planned celebrations for the opening of the new look town centre are on hold until it is safer to do so.
The Ashburton City Council spent $15 million transforming the town centre which is approximately 95 percent complete.
Covid-19 restrictions have delayed the formal ribbon cutting ceremony advised a council spokesperson.
“It’s incredibly disappointing and I don’t understand it,” said Mayor Carolyn Cameron. “But those are the rules and council have to abide by the rules.”
Council’s staff have recommended that the event be held in March 2022.
Whilst significant roadworks and access restrictions to the town centre have caused severe disruption to retailers, most are felling buoyant.
Local florist, Samantha Trott said people are “more upbeat and happy that it’s nearly finished.” She has also noticed more foot traffic in the CBD.
Nadine Barron of Mode Boutique, said that the council had permitted her store to put a clothes rack on the pavement outside following concerns it was against a bylaw.
“With all the hardship we’ve been through [during the upgrades] they decided they were okay with it,” she said.
Havelock Street is now open to both vehicle and foot traffic. Work on East Street is nearing completion advised a council spokesperson.
