Project Mataura Board thinking big

Some of the vacant, run-down buildings in Mataura's main business area might be bought for community ownership as part of a revitalisation strategy for the town.

The Project Mataura Board, a new group spearheading the strategy, would be getting buildings in Bridge St assessed next week with the view to buying them, spokesman David Wilson said yesterday.

Mr Wilson, an Oamaru consultant engaged to develop the strategy, said there was a huge amount of goodwill for stage one.

"I have been really impressed with the level of co-operation."

The purchase of some Bridge St buildings was one of the key initiatives so far, he said.

Mr Wilson agreed that many of the buildings would need a lot of work before being suitable to use. However, once that was done the board would look at what type of enterprise would succeed in the area.

Mr Wilson said he was not concerned that United States property investor Dr Jack Phillips had renovated several Bridge St buildings but had nevertheless struggled to get tenants.

The board's approach was more holistic, Mr Wilson said.

It was unknown how much the purchase and upgrade would cost and potential funders had yet to be approached, he said.

The board had also decided to put a business expansion and revitalisation model in place, making Mataura the first town in the South Island to do so. About 40 Mataura business, from shearing contractors to retailers, had agreed to take part, Mr Wilson said.

The first stage has cost just under $20,000, which was funded by a grant from the Community Trust of Southland.

Gore Mayor Tracy Hicks said he was very happy with progress to date. A lot of groundwork had been done and, while it was not obvious to the public, it put in place good foundations.

The new Project Mataura Board includes members of the Mataura Taskforce, Mataura Community Board, the Gore District Council, Eastern Southland chamber of commerce and newly formed Mataura Development Trust.

- © Fairfax NZ News