Newspaper Article 1999 – Westerman’s wasted, says petition

Westerman’s wasted, says petition

MICHELLE BROOKER

Secrecy surrounds the proposed site of the new Hastings Visitor Information Centre.

Representatives from the Hastings Tourism Facilities Trust yesterday spoke to Hastings District Councillors at their final council meeting for the year behind closed doors about the new centre.

Prior to the secret meeting councillors were presented with a 1389-signature petition from Hastings retailer Cyril Hill. The petition said the centre should be in the Westermans building in Russell Street.

Mr Hill told councillors he had heard the new centre was going to be in the bus depot near the Angus Inn.

“We are asking it be kept in the city. Don’t take it out of town” Mr Hill said.

“We feel with the work that has been done in East 100 (East Mall) it would be complimented by putting the centre in Westerman’s. That building is being wasted and being allowed to deteriorate.”.

In an open letter tabled at the meeting, Mr Hill asked Hastings mayor Jeremy Dwyer why the Westerman’s building had met unfavourably” with the Hastings Tourism Facilities Trust.

“Westerman’s is the most photographed building in the central city. With its rare Spanish architectural theme it is a gem wasted when it should be used to promote tourism as a feature of Hastings.” The letter said.

“This building and the update of the mall and its surrounds could and should be the showcase of the future Hastings. Don’t lose the opportunity.”

Photo caption – ABOVE: Westerman’s building in central Hastings.