Former pub’s remodel
A corner site between Gladstone Rd and Lower Queen St is being divided for two future tenants. VB Building Solutions is currently doing a commercial fit-out of the former Railway Hotel and The Big Sip building, which has been closed for nearly a year, and splitting its interior into two spaces, one for retail or an office space and one for food and beverage. Part-owner of the Nelson building company Pete Brown says while no tenants have yet taken the two spaces in the works, the 300sqm building’s Auckland-based owner RIMO Ltd had previously struggled to attract leasers. “It’s quite a big space, so they want to split it into two to diversify the clientele that they can get in there. We’re hoping to have [the building’s split] done by December.”
The Body Shop returning to mall
The Body Shop is returning to the Richmond Mall after a local couple purchased the rights to the franchise, with their first store opening locally. The new store and relaunch of The Body Shop will open in the Stage 1 redevelopment of the mall in October. The Body Shop NZ went into voluntary administration earlier this year after a buyer for the company could not be found, closing all of its stores around the country. It followed the UK parent company going into liquidation last year.
Changes for Richmond businesses
Change is underway for several Richmond businesses. At Berryfields Crossing, Eat Italy has closed and a new Italian restaurant, Brava Cucina, will open on the premises in early October with well-known restaurateur, Roberto Lombardi at the helm. The Stables Tavern and Restaurant went into liquidation but has since reopened under new ownership. In the Richmond Mall, Stirling Sports has shut its store to focus on its Nelson branch, while Underground, also located in the mall, announced on Facebook that it is moving to Trafalgar St in Nelson. EB Games will close on 4 October, as it must vacate its current site due to redevelopment at the mall and has been unable to secure a new location. Donut King has also ceased operations in the mall.
Meet the Richmond candidates
Rotary Club of Richmond is hosting an event at the Richmond Town Hall for the public to meet the candidates standing for the Richmond Ward in the Tasman District Council election on Friday, 12 September at 7pm. The organisation will also host a mayoral candidate meeting with the public at the same venue on 19 September at 7pm.
Toilet facility for eBus drivers
Over the past few weeks, residents may have noticed a small building being constructed near Eastern Hill Creek on Bateup Rd. It’s a new toilet facility that has been built exclusively for bus drivers who have long rest breaks at nearby stops and it won’t be accessible to the public. This installation follows a requirement from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), which ensures that bus drivers have access to permanent restroom facilities during extended breaks. A Tasman District Council spokesperson says the project is 75 percent funded by NZTA and is coming in on budget and ahead of schedule.
Open day at NMIT
NMIT are holding an open day this Saturday from 10am-2pm, where prospective students can learn more about the 100 qualifications they offer, from certificates through to master’s degrees. They will bring their programme areas from all campuses to the Nelson campus so people can get a taste of the programmes on offer and meet tutors, current students, graduates, and industry partners. There will be hands-on activities, such as deigning mini video games, creating desserts in the training kitchen, and learning how to change a car wheel.
Charity Auction raises $75k
A charity auction dinner for Big Brothers Big Sisters raised more than $75k. Programme Director/ Kaiwhakahaere Tracee Neilson, says the organisation is blown away by the total raised at the end of August event considering ticket sales were slightly slower and the value of auction items were a little less than previous years. But the community got on board for the charity, that pairs young people with a mentor to help guide them and reach their full potential.
