Early interest in Big Picture
It may be just a few "nibbles," but less than a day-and-a-half after the unveiling of the Napier City Council's Big Picture plans for Marine Parade it's more than was expected by Mayor Barbara Arnott.
She said yesterday that while she expected, and received, positive feedback on the proposals - including the Wave Park and Cable Ski targets - she was surprised to hear from possibly interested partners for the backing and running of such ventures.
"There are people who know about these things, and perhaps we could take it further," she said.
"It's no more than that at this stage." But she said the council believes its already approved investment of over $3 million in the non-commercial aspects of the Parade rebranding, including a junior bike track, playground extensions and landscaping, would provide confidence for prospective private investment.
"Why wouldn't someone want to hook onto the back of that?" she said.
While it was speculating, she could see a major attraction to complement those already approved being in place in three to five years. "If someone's particularly enthusiastic and wants to get on with it, we'll do everything we can to facilitate it," she said.
