Creating a tourist-friendly city center is one of the most powerful ways to activate economic growth, attract investment, and improve quality of life. When designed well, a city center becomes more than a collection of buildings and streets. It becomes an experience. It becomes a place where visitors want to stay longer, spend more, and return again. A vibrant downtown supports small businesses, boosts hospitality and retail sales, increases property values, and creates jo

A truly vibrant city with live street music does not appear by accident. It grows when towns, councils, and communities actively support the musicians who bring colour, sound, and life into public spaces. When performers feel welcome, safe, and valued, they not only create great street experiences but also become ambassadors for the places they visit. Street music has the power to lift a quiet street, strengthen local pride, support small businesses, and create memorable m

Waihi mine rehabilitation – exciting economic  opportunities Plans for the rehabilitation and re-purposing of the ‘Martha’ gold mine located in Waihi, New Zealand are inevitably raised in the period leading up to the end of the operators licence. It was last broached around 2006 before Oceana Gold secured another license to operate the mine.  ​ The prospect of the mine closing generates considerable public discussion about the possibilities for re-purposing the open cast