December WMRA meeting recap

This short meeting to wrap up the year was dominated by a presentation of the new West Melton Shopping Centre and discussion which followed.  We wrapped up with a social drink at the West Melton Tavern afterwards to reminisce over the year that was.

Proposed Weedons Ross Road Shopping Centre. Click for a larger image.

West Melton Shopping Centre
With construction of the new shopping centre on Weedons Ross Road set to commence over Christmas, James Lloyd Developments Ltd. had prepared a presentation with some facts and dates for the development of the site. The concept originally developed by locals Robin & Jackie Butt has been sold along with the land to James Lloyd Developments who will construct and operate the centre.  The development introduces 2500m2 of retail & service space to the town, currently expected to be open for business in the 3rd quarter of 2016.

The development includes 13 tenancies.  There are 8 currently confirmed including;

• Foodstuffs South Island
• Medical Centre
• Chemist
• Indian Restaurant
• Real Estate Agency
• Artesian Baker / Coffee Shop
• Hairdresser
• Restaurant / Bar

James Lloyd Developments are currently negotiating with several other parties with a view to select tenants which will complement each other, the needs of the community and the centre as a whole.  James Lloyd Developments were forthcoming with their intent to make sure the retail centre complimented the surrounding community, was smoothly integrated with minimal disruptions during construction, add a range of employment opportunities to the town and create a central hub for the community, “a place to meet, socialise and carry out business”.

West Melton Community Centre
There are a couple of minor changes going through to facilities in order to reduce the cost, then plans are going to tender mid January.  The expected cost of this facility is $6.6M.

ANZAC Day
We’re making arrangements for a second ANZAC Day ceremony in the town in 2016.  This time around we want to have representatives from the NZ Defence forces present.

Flags on SH73
New flags are up!  Big thanks to Alastair McNeal and Jeff Waters for this work.  This time around we’re trialing a mix of old and new-type flags to see which ones last the longest.

News & notices
A reminder that water restrictions are in currently in place in the town as well as a complete fire ban in the district.  A huge thanks to our out-going secretary Sarah Beattie for her work over this term.  Our thanks also go out to Lois Lea for her continued effort selling 150th merchandise at the West Melton markets.

Our next meeting will be our annual AGM.  7pm on February 10 2016 at the community centre.  Meeting dates for 2016 will be;

• February 10th
• April 13th
• June 8th
• August 10th
• October 12th
• December 14th

See you then!