14 December 2009

Visitor information centre to move

The long running saga of where Paraparaumu’s Visitor Information Centre will go has been solved.

Before the end of the summer it will move to new premises in Coastlands facing onto Rimu Road in the building currently housing GJ Gardiner and the PSIS, Chair of the Corporate Business Committee, Tony Jack, said today.

“This has been an issue for the Council, Coastlands and Nature Coast Enterprise for many years.

“We’ve looked variously at moving into the old Pizza Hutt building, having a totally new building built and upgrading the existing one. None of those were either affordable or effective.

“All the options presented by NZTA and the Minister of Transport for an expressway affect Coastlands and access from the State Highway.

“The option we’ve settled on now solves that problem and provides the facilities required for the office to be an accredited I-SITE (Information site). It has good access from Rimu Road, good parking for visitors including campervans, already has disabled carparks and disabled access and there are opportunities for clear signage.

Nature Coast Chairman Graham Smellie is delighted a new I-SITE has finally been resolved. He thanked Kapiti Coast District Council for finding a suitable site.

“The current ‘Witches Hat’ information centre at Coastlands is totally unsuitable and has been an eyesore and embarrassment for some time,” Mr Smellie said. “If we can move in early next year I and all the staff will be delighted.

“Tourism is New Zealand’s largest export industry and having a professional centre both domestic and international visitors can go to is crucial to the 100% pure experience.

“This is a good solution which will provide locals and visitors with the standard of service they should be able to expect and will also greatly enhance the conditions for staff of the centre who have experienced cramped and limited facilities for many years,” Graham Smellie said.

ENDS

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