Creative sector lends a hand as Timaru looks for ways to boost city centre

Timaru is looking to the arts as one way to help revitalise its struggling city centre. The council has adopted a CityTown strategy, put together by a design and urban planning agency Isthmus Group. With a budget of $34.6 million the council is looking ahead 10 to 15 years to try and ensure its residents find ways to use and enjoy their city centre, businesses prosper and ultimately more people will be attracted to settle in the city. Gap Filler is also involved. It was established soon after the Christchurch earthquakes with volunteers making use of empty spaces to offer some entertainment after the demolition of more than 1000 buildings. Since then it has worked in more than 20 cities around Aotearoa to advise councils on effective use of empty spaces and also advised on international projects to help make inner cities more appealing to residents. Original Article : https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/482055/creative-sector-lends-a-hand-as-timaru-looks-for-ways-to-boost-city-centre