Local generosity to bring new green space for Guyton Street
Published on 11 January 2024
Richard White at 94 Guyton Street
As part of the Streets for People project in Guyton Street, the Whanganui community will soon have a new green space to enjoy in our town centre – thanks to a generous offer from a civic-minded local property owner.
The new park, which was confirmed this week, will be located at the empty lot at 94 Guyton Street next to Mischief Café. The land is owned by local real estate agent and property owner Richard White – who kindly offered the use of the land to support the beautification works on Guyton Street.
Richard says the idea to offer some of his land for use as a park came to him while participating in the Streets for People community co-design sessions early last year.
“As a stakeholder, I really enjoyed the process of brainstorming different ideas to improve our town centre with fellow community members. One of the things I heard crop up a lot was that people would love more green space in our CBD – and it occurred to me that my land at 94 Guyton Street could present a great opportunity for that.”
Since then, Richard has had several discussions with the council to iron out the details and negotiate a five-year lease (for a nominal fee) for the use of the land as a community space.
“I think this new park area will really enhance the street. From my perspective, as a commercial building owner on Guyton Street, the success of my tenants is the success of my investment. So, if we can make Guyton Street function really well and my tenants are happy, it’s a win-win.”
While the final layout and design of the park hasn’t been confirmed just yet, Richard has come up with a name for it.
“It will be known as Corwen Park – which is a nod to the village in Wales where my ancestors hail from. I guess it’s a nice way to acknowledge my family history,” said Richard.
The council’s community, property and places general manager, Sarah O’Hagan, says she’s hugely impressed by Richard’s civic spirit in making the offer.
“This is such a good result for Guyton Street – and a great example of a private/public partnership where everyone wins. I’m really excited by the concept designs we’ve seen for the park so far – and I know the team is looking forward to sharing them with the wider community very soon!”
The Guyton Street revitalisation project is 90 percent funded by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency through its Streets for People programme. The programme encourages councils to work with their local communities to trial streetscape improvements, enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists and make streets more inviting, people-friendly spaces to visit.
For more information, visit whanganui.govt.nz/streets-for-people