Sanson viewed as key to region

Nearly $500,000 will be spent on developing Sanson into the "gateway" of the region.

Developing a piece of Manawatu District Council land in Sanson into a hotspot, not just for visitors, but also for the community, is one of the council's major projects set out in its draft annual plan 2010-11.

The council bought the Junction Hotel property in Sanson, on the intersection of State highways 1 and 3 in August 2008, because of its location and the commercial development possibilities.

The hotel and restaurant on site closed down when the council took over the property.

Council chief executive Lorraine Vincent said the council believed the land was a strategically significant.

"We want to develop a gateway into the region and this piece of land is a perfect place to explore this potential," Ms Vincent said.

She said council had long recognised the importance of Sanson, given its location at the junction of two big state highways and its proximity to Ohakea, New Zealand's primary air force base.

Council has set aside $400,000 over the next two years for the site development and has allocated $20,000 for a feasibility study to take place to look at the possible development options.

Destination Manawatu chief executive Lance Bickford's team will be project leaders for the development.

"I have some exciting ideas for the site, including the possibility of installing an i-SITE centre," Mr Bickford said.

He said his organisation was working closely with the council, the Sanson community and other outside interests including the Rangitikei District Council and Palmerston North City Council.

"A feasibility site of usage and commercial value is currently being conducted and its results will be reported to council later in the month," Mr Bickford said.

How do you think the money should be spent? Write to the editor at PO Box 3, Palmerston North, email editor@msl.co.nz  (include names and addresses),  text 027 498 1242, or post your comments below.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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