Public have say on vacant lot

IDEAS?: Submissions have suggested gardens, retail shops or an open-air gym for Featherston's vacant lot on its main street.

An edible garden, an outlet store centre and an open air gym are just some of the ideas for the vacant land on Featherston's main street.

Almost 150 submissions were given to the South Wairarapa District Council after it asked for feedback on using the land for a town square and a Menz Shed.

There wasn't a strong consensus on what should be done - 74 submissions supported the idea, 64 did not and 11 were unclear.

The Featherston Community Board was to decide whether to support the idea at its public meeting on Tuesday night but it was unable to come to a final decision, said chairwoman Lee Carter.

She said the board has asked the council to provide further information and consultation with the public.

"It's great to see people believing in Featherston whether for or against the proposed Featherston town square concept," she said.

"It's good to see council committed to that site, however, what the end result will be at this stage, is unknown."

Many submitters expressed an interest in developing a commercial retail area in what one submitter called the "black hole in the heart of Featherston".

"We need something to get the huge volume of traffic passing through to stop."

Outlet shops, like the ones in Otaki, would attract people, said some submitters.

Some wanted a tribute to the Featherston Military Camp in light of the World War I centenary. "It is nearly 100 years since World War I, a great drawcard this viewing would be."

Another said Featherston should pay tribute to its twin town of Messines, Belgium by reciprocating what the town has outside its main church.

Paved into cobblestones outside the church is a map of New Zealand marking Featherston.

Using two tones of paving stone, a map of Belgium marking Messines could be placed on to a town square, said the submitter.

Many supported the idea of the Menz Shed but 60 per cent wanted it in a different location.

"I think the main street should hold attractions to visitors and I do not feel many would stop for a Menz Shed," said one.

Some suggested it be located at the Featherston Community Centre on Wakefield St.

The community centre's board supported this idea in its submission, saying it was already talking to Menz Shed members about the building moving there.

The concept of the Menz Shed did not please some submitters with one saying there should be time allocated for women.

"Sounds sexist - give it another name - open to all."

Other ideas for the land included a town square with a 'splash pad' - an interactive fountain with multiple streams coming up from the ground that would be invisible when not in use.

It would be a big attraction, giving people a reason to stop in Featherston and entertain kids while parents went to grab a coffee or look at local shops, said the submitter.

Overall, most people wanted to revive the town's centre and make it attractive - whatever it is, it must look good, said one person.

The submissions, which are anonymous, are available to read at www.swdc.govt.nz/featherston-town-centre-submissions-results