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Visitor Information Centre
Should the Visitor Information Centre be relocated to Moutoa Quay/Riverfront?
The Visitor Information Centre is currently located next to the Council Building. It has limited space, is poorly sited for visitors and no longer suitable for its purpose. Council owns land and buildings in the Moutoa Quay/Riverfront area, identified as an ideal site for a new and upgraded Visitor Information Centre.
The development of a new Visitor Centre in a riverfront location is planned for in the 2010/11 financial year at a projected cost of $1.03M – to be funded by loan over 25 years. The individual cost to residential ratepayers would be an average of $1.15 per year.
Advantages of relocating the centre
- A more central and accessible place will result in increased awareness of what Wanganui has to offer – both to visitors and to residents.
- The relocated centre will be a state-of-the-art building - much larger and offering increased facilities such as parking, services and space to promote local events and attractions.
- The Riverfront area is being developed with the boardwalk, River Traders Market, the PS Waimarie, the Tram Shed and other attractions. This area is a natural draw to both visitors and residents and the centre fits well within this development.
- The current building occupied by the centre could be used for much needed additional work space for the council.
Disadvantages of relocating the centre
- This would lead to an additional increase in rates for residential ratepayers.
- The current Visitor Information Centre is located next to the council building. This provides a central ‘civic’ area for visitors to the city. Moving the centre to the Riverfront could lose the links between council and visitors.
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