I remain positive about Nelson’s economy despite the setback from the war in Iran. The increase in fuel costs for households and businesses will have a negative impact in the short term but our longer-term prospects are strong.
We have six major initiatives underway, two each from Government, Council and the private sector involving a combined investment of over $3 billion in the region. Positive reports on the progress of each were given to Councils and the business sector last week.
The Government’s two big projects are the Nelson Hospital redevelopment and the Hope Bypass. Work is ramping up on the $500 million hospital upgrade. Fifteen old buildings have been demolished, the $10 million A&E upgrade is complete, and Fitzgerald Construction is on track to finish a 28-bed temporary ward this year.
Funding is approved for a new seven-storey inpatient building with construction due to start late this year. It’s the largest building to be built in Nelson in over 50 years and completion is scheduled for late 2029.
Investigation and design work on the $1.4 billion Hope Bypass has started. Resource consents are to be lodged in October. It will be the largest roading project in the region since the Stoke Bypass 26 years ago. Funding is not yet confirmed and is likely to be staged. I am hopeful of success under the current Government with it being recognised as a Road of National Significance (RoNS).
The big Council project is the $78 million Bridge to Better investment in revitalising the central city that is well underway and due for completion in July ’27. The Councils-owned Port and Marina companies are together investing over $50 million in their marine industry infrastructure including the 550-tonne Port and 110-tonne Marina travel lifts to be commissioned this year.
Our city can be equally excited about the economic benefits from the new Maitahi 370-home development off the Maitai Valley and the redevelopment of Morrison Square into new retail, hotel and commercial space. Construction on both has begun.
The next few months will be challenging but this strong pipeline of major projects is good reason to be optimistic about the years ahead.
