21 January 2015

Canopies removal underway in Porirua City Centre

For the first time in 20 years light was able to shine into a section of Porirua City Centre after a section of canopies covering the street was removed.

Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett said the removal was going well.

“It’s quite remarkable how different the place looks without the canopies covering the street,” Mayor Leggett said.

“We have had a lot of really positive feedback already. People seem to love the change.”

The canopies were erected in 1995 almost 20 years ago. The canopies are at the end of their life and are being removed before they become unsafe. A decision has yet to be made about what to replace them with.

“It’s a big decision for the City – if we decide to replace the canopies that will cost about $3 million,” Mayor Leggett said.

“Views are mixed amongst the community, retailers and even on the Council on what should go up to protect the City Centre from the weather. We need to consider all options including a mix of canopies and clear space.

“The most important thing to me is that we make an informed decision with real community input about what solution is best for our central city.”

Under the first phase of this project, costing approximately $300,000, the canopy fabric will be removed and steel work secured. Steel rings and some cables will be taken down.

Demolition work started on Sunday and will take approximately four weeks. The work will be performed from 6pm-6am Sunday through to Thursday.

“So far the work is going smoothly and is ahead of schedule,” Mayor Leggett said.

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