Green light on square project delights mayor

Masterton Mayor Gary Daniell says the speed and the efficiency with which the new $660,000 town square project has moved in recent weeks has been a pleasant and unexpected surprise.

Speaking to the Wairarapa Times-Age Mr Daniell said numerous other council initiatives had been very slow to come to fruition.

"Many things which the council tries to do seem to take years and on this particular occasion we are seeing a situation where work will start inside a six-week period."

Last Wednesday, a concept plan and budget of $660,000 for the new town square project that will include expanses of green space, pavings, walkways and a prominent water feature was unanimously approved by Masterton District Council.

Councillors also unanimously agreed to commit $85,000 towards infrastructure such as security, lighting, underground power, carpark re-seal and diesel tank removal. Chief executive Wes ten Hove told councillors the civil works construction of the new carpark, which forms part of the project, could begin in six weeks.

It was only six weeks earlier, on February 27, when builder and developer David Borman produced a plan drawn up by architect Daryl Silverwood to councillors that would transform a bitumen carpark that links the council's building and the Wairarapa Times-Age.

Mr Daniell said to witness such an efficient development leaping from the planning stage to the construction stage in such a short timeframe was a positive development. "Obviously the town has had the priority of the waste water scheme and it's absolutely fantastic to be able to proceed with the project, and there will be minimal financial output for the council," he said.

The mayor said that the whole concept of having a very attractive area adjacent to a main thoroughfare, with the parking area in a discreet location nearby, was a very worthwhile project.

Mr Daniell said he understood Mr Borman plans to seek community funding support for the project and he said the developer has made progress in meeting the varying financial obligations associated with the development.

"I know he has approached some of the trusts to assist with it and he's also asking for a cost price input from a number of companies, which would be necessary to [complete] the project," Mr Daniell said.

"He's also approaching some of his funding organisations and some contractors. There will also be an opportunity for individuals to assist with funding for trees, benches and other costs."

Mr Borman has proposed to seek community funding support for the project from the WBS Charitable Trust, which will be the funding vehicle.

The mayor, who arrived back in New Zealand from a trip to Japan just hours before the meeting on Wednesday, said the council was happy to provide $85,000 towards infrastructure.