CBD board preferred in Wellington City

CBD board preferred in Wellington City

Property Council’s Wellington Branch is calling for a CBD board to be established to govern issues specific to the central business district.

The recommendation is one of 48 contained in a publication released last week, The Future of Our Capital, which addresses Property Council’s concerns for Wellington and suggests areas for change.

Wellington Branch President Ian Cassels said the city’s business differential should be abolished and replaced with a CBD rate. “Property Council believes a CBD board with stakeholder representation would help to ensure targeted rates are applied and reinvested in the area they are generated.

“This CBD board would govern issues specific to the central business district including economic development, planning and project infrastructure delivery. A dedicated executive team would implement board decisions.”

Mr Cassels said CBD ratepayers have no input on where targeted rates are invested. “By contrast, a CBD board and rate would be fairer, more transparent and the preferred option for Wellington.”

Property Council acknowledges that Wellington City Council has recognised the disincentive its business differential creates and that it has committed to phasing this down. However, Property Council believes a CBD rate would be a better option.

“We want to see a thriving Wellington City and this is one of a number measures needed to revive the CBD. Stakeholder input is crucial and we want business associations, residents, Wellington City Council, the hospitality industry and others to be involved in decision making.”

ENDS

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