Council will work with retailers, Hutt Mayor pledges

Hutt central city business owners can expect a sympathetic hearing on proposals to rejuvenate retailing, Mayor Ray Wallace says.

"We are prepared to listen to all good ideas that are forthcoming and to lend a hand to get them going," he told Hutt News, responding to the front page story in our January 10 issue.

Mr Wallace said the current environment is not ideal "with the world facing the worst recession in living memory".

The council developed and adopted the Making Places strategy, which focuses on creating a new dynamic for the CBD, and the mayor believes this is widely supported by retailers, property owners and residents.

"The Lower Hutt city square in front of the Dowse will be opened in March and is tangible evidence of progress."

The Thursday night market is attracting good numbers of stallholders and shoppers.

A proposal is being considered to trial the night market within the High St/Margaret St precinct on a Friday night late in March to test support for the concept adjacent to retail outlets, Mr Wallace said.

Meanwhile, Cr Michael Lulich has agreed to promote a concept suggested by Hutt News advertising representative Kay Southon of free parking "happy hours" in CBD streets from 1-3pm on weekdays, a very quiet period for retailers.

- Hutt News