New collaborative approach piloted to reimagine Ōamaru CBD

Published on 12 December 2023

Over forty representatives from local businesses, community groups, agencies and Council met last week to explore how we might work together to reimagine the Ōamaru CBD.

Facilitated by Melanie Jones from the Waitaki District Council’s Economic Development Team, the session used Strategic Doing™ principles to explore a new way to collaborate drawing on the knowledge, expertise and assets in the group.

The session was fast paced and action oriented and by the end of the three-hour session, five projects were identified to move forward.

Ms Jones said: "This new collaborative approach reflects the adage 'Many hands make light work’. It was great to feel the energy in the room and everyone making a small commitment to their project over the next month or so to move it forward”.

The broader group will meet again in March to review progress and share learnings.

Chief Executive Alex Parmley said: “This marks a transformative approach from Council towards revitalising the CBD. By bringing together stakeholders from across different sectors, and encouraging them to set their own project objectives, the work that takes place in the Ōamaru CBD is about community and Council working together to take forward our town centre.

There will be further opportunities for broader community input to the Ōamaru CBD Revitalisation plan in the New Year.

ENDS