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Welcome to Talk of the CityTown, a monthly update about what’s happening on the street as we begin to put what we’ve learned through the programme into practice.

We’re sending this to everyone who has signed up for updates so far, but please forward it to everyone you know to help us get the word out.

Where are things at with the Programme?

Since June’s newsletter, the CityTown team have been busy working to improve the  greenery in our inner city.

You’ll see that new plantings have gone in along the length of Stafford Street, we’re looking forward to these blooming as we move through the last weeks of winter and into spring.

Work on the streetscapes masterplan design is continuing. This masterplan will guide our future streetscape design and give private sector partners a playbook for future investment and development in our inner city.

The next stage of the process will see community stakeholders invited to share their ideas on the masterplan to date, and give feedback on how they think it is taking shape.

Venture Timaru will also be supporting engagement with the private sector, fostering opportunities for economic development.

A long term and cost effective solution may be on the cards to resolve concerns about the Stafford Street pavers.

A section of the pavement on the corner of Stafford and George Streets in front of the Oxford Building has had an innovative, new high-tactile compound painted on it, and we’re asking people to go down and try it out in person.

We’ll be advertising some on-site drop in sessions where you can have your say in person, and you can also send through feedback to citytown@timdc.govt.nz

This compound, which is quick to install and lasts a number of years, and will be applied on the tiled sections of Stafford Street as soon as possible if it proves effective.

Taking this approach is aimed at providing an innovative medium-term solution to the issue, while minimising the cost to ratepayers and reducing the disruption to businesses.

We’ll have an update on the success of this trial in the next issue. For some background on the tiles, visit: https://www.timaru.govt.nz/services/roads-parking-and-transport/timarus-miles-of-tiles

Last month we previewed the new tree that will be bringing some additional cheer this Christmas, this month we’re looking to bring a little sparkle all year long.

The CityTown team are currently looking at options to install new year-round decorative lighting to complement the existing Angel Lights, a much loved highlight of Stafford Street at Christmas time. Watch this space for further information.

What’s coming next?

In the next update we’ll share further information on our Miles of Tiles and the rollout of this surface treatment to other areas of the inner city, as well as showcase a vibrant and interactive installation coming to Stafford Street. Stay tuned!