Dash of TLC to transform Carterton CBD

PAINT WORKS: Gregg Crimp says the past will be respected in the High Street revamp because "we don't want to sanitise it and make it too trendy". PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Carterton's High St is set for a makeover, with a new coat of paint the first step in revamping the town's shopping area.

Community organisation Carterton District Business Incorporated (CDBI) has identified 27 buildings which could benefit from a makeover and plans to start painting the first set of buildings in October.

It hopes to secure sponsorship from Resene, council backing and the support of 40 to 50 volunteers to help with the work.

CDBI executive committee member and architect Gregg Crimp, of Architecture Robinson Crimp, said the street needed a revamp.

"A lot of the buildings are looking quite tired so there's a need to make the High St look as if it's loved and cared for."

The Sew Carterton, Centreways Takeaways, Cafe Ole and old From Wags to Whiskers buildings will be the first to benefit.

It was hoped the makeover would help regenerate High St and "entice people to move into those spaces", Mr Crimp said.

"Everyone is very keen to improve it and it's exciting to see how well Martinborough and Greytown have developed over the years and Featherston is also seeing some revitalisation as well, which is great.

"I'd like to see all the shops full and occupied."

CDBI hopes to secure the help of professional painters, who will be able to oversee work on a particular building and supervise teams of volunteers.

The group also hopes to highlight the history of the buildings, reduce redundant signage and improve landscaping.

Holloway St was a good example of what landscaping could achieve, Mr Crimp said.

"We are not wanting to sanitise it and make it too trendy ... and it's also important that we really celebrate the architecture. So we've referenced Resene's heritage colours as well as some modern ones."

The response from building owners so far had been "very, very excited" and encouraging, Mr Crimp said.

-Anyone interested in volunteering should email gregg@architecturerobinsoncrimp.com