June 26, 2002

Auckland City Council and local businesses are to work together to boost Ponsonby Road’s reputation as a key dining and shopping quarter.

The council will set up a Mainstreet programme in Ponsonby Road, after a poll of business ratepayers cast more than 70 per cent of their votes in favour of Mainstreet.

Councillor Mark Donnelly, chair of the council’s Strategy and Governance Committee, is pleased that the programme is going ahead.

“Ponsonby Road is already a great place to visit, but I believe that Mainstreet will make it even better - for businesses, residents and visitors,” he said

Andrew Corsbie of ponsonbyroad.co.nz, a society set up to promote the area, has spearheaded the campaign for the Ponsonby Mainstreet.

“This programme will build on what is already a very vibrant part of Auckland and will contribute to the overall growth of the city,” he said. “We already have plans and ideas that will strengthen the unique character of the area – plans that will set Ponsonby alight.”

Mainstreet helps local communities and businesses take positive and active steps to stop the decline of traditional town centres and high streets. Ponsonby Road will be the 15th Mainstreet programme in Auckland city.

Businesses pay a little extra in rates to fund central design, heritage conservation, business development and promotional projects to encourage new businesses, customers and life back to their town centre.

Auckland city’s Mainstreet team works in partnership with the local business association responsible for running the programme. A Mainstreet programme is established only after a poll of business ratepayers confirms the proposal.

ENDS

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