Te Puke’s new Heritage Walkway is making good progress and is seen as a vote of confidence in the future of the town.
Construction started last month by Higgins Construction under contract to the Western Bay of Plenty District Council and the project is expected to be completed well in time for Christmas. The walkway is part of the Town Centre Development Plan adopted by Council in 2007.
Te Puke Focus spokesperson Mark Boyle says the walkway, in conjunction with the new building for the jewellery shop, has been welcomed by the local business community.
“At a time when the national economy is in recession and with the significant pressure that PSA is putting on the Te Puke District, this project is seen as a vote of confidence in Te Puke as a key player in the wider Bay of Plenty region,” says Mark.
“Te Puke locals are upbeat and positive about this first step in the town centre development. With plans for an upgrade of Jubilee Park facilities and the progression of a new commercial development in 2012, Te Puke is seen as being proactive for growth and development into the years ahead.”
The Heritage Walkway project entails building the walkway from Jellicoe Street to Commerce Lane and installing a pedestrian strip from the walkway across Commerce Lane on to Jubilee Park.
Te Puke jewellers, Rod and Janine Pearce, are excited at the prospect of moving into their new shop on the corner of the walkway and Jellicoe Street. The couple has been operating in temporary premises in Jellicoe Street during the building of their new shop.
The opening of the new shop is planned for late November and Bay of Plenty MP Tony Ryall has been invited to be their special guest.
Council continues to work alongside St John Ambulance and Te Puke Plunket in their move from Jubilee Park to alternative locations.
Plunket has relocated temporarily to the foyer of the Te Puke War Memorial Hall and is fund raising for a building to be located on a Council-owned section in Queen Street that Plunket will lease.
St John is planning to move to a temporary location on the main road at the northern entrance of town until a permanent facility is built on Centennial Park.
Rangiuru Sports will move their playing ground from Jamieson Oval to Centennial Park and Council is working with the Club to help provide facilities for the players and spectators.