Wanganui to get $85m tourism makeover

Wanganui is set to have an $85 million makeover, in a bid to establish the city as a cultural centre.

Mayor Michael Laws unveiled the Heart of Wanganui project yesterday, with plans to move the library, a substantial redesign of the Region Museum and a new building linking the Sarjeant Gallery and Alexander Library, the Dominion Post reported today.

"This project will have recreational, cultural and financial ramifications in Wanganui for the next 50 years. It's about spending a small amount of money and getting an exponential return," the newspaper reported.

A public referendum would be held by June to determine which one of seven revamp designs would be followed.

The public vote would decide which, if any, projects went ahead and in what order, Mr Laws said.

"The council will take no policy position on this. It's ratepayers' money we're spending and we want this to be a decision the people make."

The council plans to borrow the money for the makeover, but also expects some money to come from central government and community organisations.

- NZPA