22 Jun 2016

Calls to expand Oamaru's historic precinct

1:16 pm on 22 June 2016

The boundary of Oamaru's historic precinct may increase significantly, with advocates wanting a larger part of the town's central business district preserved.

A report on whether the boundary of the precinct should move beyond the current Habour-Tyne Street area proposes an additional area covering all of Lower Thames Street, including some side streets on the Heritage List.

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Photo: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Waitaki District councillor Peter Garvan said that would make the historic precinct one of the largest in the country.

"You've obviously got Cuba St in Wellington, so there's the odd significant area, but Oamaru is pretty unique. We've got a lot of heritage, category one or category two buildings, and a lot of heritage - way above average for a small town.

"The fact that it's all intact it's quite special."

If approved the new boundary would have to be included in the district plan to give it legal significance.