Utilising Ghost Shops in Raetihi
As the controversy over the proposed development at Teitei Drive, Ohakune demonstrated, the location of social housing in Ruapehu can quickly become an issue that divides communities. One location that would hopefully be welcomed would be the ghost shops on Seddon Street, Raetihi. Council would need to explore all of the options available to address the issue of land banking, planning blight and the viability of business premises now red stickered. There is currently no legislation available to Councils to deal with these issues; nevertheless, there is now a way forward, the need for earthquake strengthening and the requirement to bring buildings up to a new and much more stringent post-Christchurch standard. Occupied or not these buildings need significant amounts of money spent on them to bring them up to code. As empty shop premises, they are no longer economically viable and unlikely to attract businesses because of their location. In my view, there will be a positive response to looking at alternatives by owners. Rather than allowing this impasse to continue, a more elegant solution would be for the Council to work with the owners to find alternatives, such as using the space for housing. Working with other stakeholders such as Kāinga Ora and iwi, the land currently occupied by ghost shops could be utilised for townhouse development. Badly needed rental and rent-to-buy housing could be provided, and we’d have a more vibrant and attractive centre for our community. From the perspective of positive development for Raetihi, it is an option the Council should explore.
