Deputy Mayor's Comment: Nelson's City Centre Summit- The future of our city centre is ours to shape

For well over a decade, across elections, national and international change, with different mayors and councillors, the future of Nelson’s city centre has been a core focus of discussion, debate, and investment. Our city centre plays a key role across Te Tauihu, serving as the heart of our commercial, cultural and hospitality sectors, and there’s no doubt we’ve got plenty to be proud of – but a city that fails to move forward is one that will inevitably move backwards.

Since 2009’s Heart of the City Strategy, Council has continued to work to capture the aspirations of Nelsonians, with recent strategies like He Tātai Whetū – Whakatū Nelson Arts and Creativity Strategy and Te Ara ō Whakatū – Nelson City Centre Spatial Plan, and projects like our upgraded City to Sea pathway along the Maitai River/Mahitahi Awa and the pedestrianisation of Upper Trafalgar Street. A core focus this term of council is continuing to take our foundation of strategic vision and build concrete action upon it, transforming our city centre into a thriving, accessible, people-focused hub.

As Chair of our City Centre Business Forum and our He Tātai Whetū Arts and Creativity Taskforce, as well as a central city resident, the future of our city’s heart is a topic that’s always front of mind. We’re in a strong place, with the significant body of strategic thinking in place, tens of millions of dollars of investment already committed, key pieces of civic infrastructure needing renewal, and burgeoning conversations present throughout our community. But we need to ensure our energy and focus results in practical outcomes, and that our aspirations are backed up by delivery.

That’s why on March 26th, we’ll be hosting a central city summit to bring together the full range of interested people and parties with a stake in our city, to spark discussions on the future of civic and private investment, to share ideas and potential projects, to identify challenges and find solutions, and spark partnerships that can deliver real change. It’s a day that’s sure to inspire and challenge, and one council is committed to making the most of. Further details will be released in the coming weeks, but for now mark your calendars and we look forward to coming together in common purpose.

We won’t have every answer ready to go, but we can’t continue to wait for silver bullets – together we can build a thriving city centre we’re all proud to enjoy.