Public ideas sought on the future of Hastings' CBD

How Hastings CBD will look in the future, is the focus of a new interactive process which begins next week.

Hastings District Council is to present information to the public from the Voice Box which will be located in the central city mall from Tuesday. The Voice Box is a retrofitted shipping container which will display interactive information on the role of the CBD.

Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers says “This is an incredibly important part of the project which will determine how council plans for the future growth of our CBD and the long term vision for the area.”

Cynthia Bowers says “It’s a very important time for the CBD and this is an opportunity for everyone to have a say as we look to the future. The information on display will present a number of ideas but Hastings residents will have their own vision for the future and that’s what we want to hear.”

The information gathered through this consultation will complement and build upon the integrated planning work already undertaken by the council.

In addition to the consultation process, innovative local internet provider Airnet will create a free WIFI hotspot in the central mall. This will enable anyone in the mall area to access the internet using their WIFI enabled device. This will allow them to browse the internet, check their email or even update their Facebook status.

The Voice Box will be located in the Hastings Central Mall from Tuesday December 20th till Thursday December 22nd. Visitors will be able to learn more about the CBD, the trends influencing both now and in the future and provide feedback and ideas on what they see as the main issues and priorities.

Council also welcomes your comments on the future of the CBD on My Voice My Choice the new online channel where you can have your say in a way which is convenient to you. You can find My Voice My Choice online at www.myvoicemychoice.co.nz or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/voicechoice