A new marine services centre, expanded boat-building industry and visitor services and recreational area are planned for the Whanganui Port Precinct.
The comprehensive revitalisation project has been announced through a partnership of the Whanganui District Council and Government, which will the latter make an initial investment of NZ$500,000 as part of the Manawatu-Whanganui Economic Action Plan.
Describing the project as “exciting and ambitious”, Whanganui Mayor Annette Main also highlights the stimulus provided by cornerstone investor Q-West Boat Building, which could lead to development of a marine industry training facility.
“The investment and relocation of Q-West is part of a bigger vision to re-imagine and re-purpose Whanganui’s port area to be a centrepiece for commercial possibilities and public recreation,” says Mayor Main.
“The Port Revitalisation has terrific potential to attract new investment to the region.”
Understood to have once been a thriving port, the facilities have not made a profit since the 1970s and have progressively fallen into disrepair.
