AusLeisure

A recent event held at Nelson's Theatre Royal showcased the proposed redevelopment of the city's waterfront.

Hosted by Nelson Mayor Aldo Miccio and Councillor Pete Rainey, the event provided an opportunity for councillors, developers and members of the public to view and consider opportunities to safe guard the waterfront precinct, providing long-term future possibilities for the area.

Mayor Miccio said the concept plans had been met with much enthusiasm adding that the proposed development was even more pertinent as preliminary discussions to host a possible Pre-Regatta for the Americas Cup were now under way subject to a win from New Zealand.

Mayor Miccio stated "I have spoken to Brett O'Riley, Chief Executive of Auckland Tourism and Events & Economic Development Limited regarding a possible Americas Cup Pre-Regatta event.

"Nelson has the best and most consistent afternoon onshore breezes in New Zealand, and is the reason behind our having so many National sailing champs here.

"I contacted Mr O'Riley to champion Nelson as an ideal location for when ATEED begin their search for a possible Pre-Regatta location."

Councillor Rainey commented that discussing such an event with the organisers and putting our hat in the ring was clearly too good an opportunity to miss if there was the possibility of a win and a Pre-Regatta bash.

Councillor Rainey added "to host a Pre-Regatta event would undoubtedly be a coup for Nelson and a great motivator to move forward with the proposed Waterfront developments.

"It would certainly bring even more kudos to Nelson's burgeoning sporting portfolio."

Mayor Miccio is championing the benefits and opportunities for the community and local businesses from a redevelopment of Nelson's waterfront precinct, while looking to that preserves Nelson's heritage buildings.

He added "Nelson is increasingly perceived as the number one destination to visit by national and international tourists.

"Any investment and enhancements to our waterfront will secure the future direction for this iconic waterfront precinct and everyone's enjoyment of it."

Irving Smith Jack Architects have prepared the concept drawings for several Council owned sites on Nelson's Wakefield Quay (previously occupied by Four Seasons and Reliance Engineering) offering a multitude of benefits for the Nelson community.

Concept plans show an attractive area intended for retail, hospitality and recreation, with increased parking and shared pathway connections between the waterfront and the city.

Nelson will be hosting three tournament games for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 - one of 14 host cities for the event.

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