Media Release, for immediate release, 18 July 2012

New Sign a Turning Point for Sumner Businesses

A simple message on a newly erected sign is a key first step for a new business group aiming to revitalise Sumner Village.

The Sumner Business Group’s new sign has been erected today (Wednesday 18 July). The sign, which simply says “Sumner Village” along with an arrow, aims to get people from the beach to the heart of the Sumner business area. The sign will be erected in the garden area on the corner of Marriner Street and The Esplanade, directing people straight ahead to the Sumner Village.

“When coming to Sumner most people turn left at the Esplanade, go to the beach, have a coffee or ice-cream and go home. This sign aims to show visitors that there’s life beyond the beach and that as well as the sea and sand Sumner has a fabulous, unique hub of businesses that need the wider community’s support,” says Sumner Business Group Chairperson Geraldine Shackleton.

The sign is being created by local artist Jason Kelly and has been made possible thanks to the generous support from local businesses, which has seen materials required for the sign either donated or supplied at cost.

The Sumner Business Group was formed after the February earthquake to revitalise and promote the Sumner Village area and quickly grew from a core group of just eight business people to an organisation that now represents around 35 local businesses.

The erection of the sign signals a key turning point for the Group, as it’s the first initiative as part of its 12 month strategic plan, which includes a new brand which will represent Sumner village, a range of events and marketing and advertising campaigns.

The Sumner Business Group has been working with Recover Canterbury and as well as strategic support and advice has received funding from the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust to allow it to develop and implement its strategic plan.

“Working with Recovery Canterbury has been fabulous and the advice and support we have received has been invaluable,” says Miss Shackleton.

Recover Canterbury Business Recovery Team Leader Bob Stewart says the Sumner business community has been hit badly by the February quake, with significant de-population, declining visitor numbers, decreased business revenue and negative media coverage.

“Despite the challenges the community and business owners in Sumner have been remarkably resilient and are determined that their iconic slice of Christchurch not just revives but really thrives. This is a group of businesses that really deserve the hand up that Recover Canterbury and the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust can provide as the work they are doing to promote and revitalise the Sumner area will have positive spin-offs not just for businesses but for the wider community,” says Mr Stewart.

The Sumner Business Group would like to acknowledge the support of the following businesses that generously gave time and materials to make the new Sumner Village sign possible: JC Building Sumner; Erik Ellis, Landscape Architect; Placemakers Cranford St; Barrie Club, Routering.

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