Big Plans for Westland Industrial Heritage Park
In July, the Westland Industrial Heritage Park committee was invited to the Council meeting to present our Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025. Jackie Gurden did an excellent job of outlining the content of the plan and what we hope to achieve. The Plan sets out our vision for the next five years to develop the Park and the attractions within.
Our members aspire to become a leading attraction in Hokitika and be nationally and internationally recognised for providing a high quality experience for visitors. To achieve this, a masterplan has been developed encompassing current projects and proposed projects. Each project has a dedicated project manager or managers, and has been carefully budgeted so that the management committee understands the funding that will be required to complete each project. Using the Strategic Plan, the committee can create an annual plan each year to identify priority work.
Proposed and current projects include:
- An entry building potentially comprising an entry experience, arrival, meeting, office and amenities building.
- Enhancement of displays with interactive interpretation including sound, light and video displays, beginning with the Big Engine Shed and also incorporating the Steam Shed, the Heritage and Learning Centre, the Boat Shed, the Livery and the Fire Engine Museum.
- Completion of the Mudfish Bush (miniature) railway attraction.
- Developing an expanded and much more purpose-built engineering and wood working restoration workshop
- Utilising the natural area surrounding the miniature railway for the creation of a park area containing environmental restoration projects.
Our Strategic Plan is a living document and will be reviewed and updated annually. The current version can be viewed on the Council website here.
Image supplied by Westland Industrial Heritage Park
