MEDIA RELEASE
28 November 2003

Point Chevalier and Royal Oak
Mainstreet poll unsuccessful

Point Chevalier and Royal Oak businesses have voted not to establish a Mainstreet programme.

In a recent poll, which asked local businesses “Do you wish to establish a Mainstreet programme?”, the result was very close but did not reach the 60 per cent of votes required for Auckland City to mandate a targeted rating system for local businesses.

In Point Chevalier, nearly 58 per cent said they would like to establish the programme, and 50 per cent agreed with a Mainstreet programme in Royal Oak.

The return on votes was very high for both areas with Royal Oak receiving a 78.8 per cent return and Pt Chevalier 48.6 per cent.

The chairperson of Auckland City’s Strategy and Governance Committee, Councillor Mark Donnelly, says he respects the views of the significant number of businesses that chose to remain with the status quo.

“We have found in other business centres that the Mainstreet programme has tangible benefits to not only the business centre but also the surrounding community. It is disappointing that these polls weren’t successful, as Mainstreets are often the catalyst for the rejuvenation of an area,” he says.

Auckland City has 16 Mainstreets. They each market their local shopping area and try to keep the community sense of place alive and well. Increasingly local town centres have to compete with big shopping malls and are in danger of losing both customers and their community spirit.

The Mainstreet programme itself is based on five main aspects: organisation, design, heritage conservation, promotion and business development. The programme is financially supported by the levying of a separate rate over a designated Mainstreet area.

This is the second time Royal Oak and Point Chevalier have gone to the polls. The areas were polled in April this year with similar results.

Mr Donnelly says Auckland City will continue to work with business communities interested in implementing the Mainstreet programme in their areas.

Ends

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