The future of Timaru’s $34 million CityTown project is uncertain – with trials aimed at improving the CBD on hold with the most recent trial labelled a “total failure” by the mayor.

Timaru District Council group manager infrastructure Andrew Dixon confirmed the next round of trials, expected to focus on the top end of Stafford St, have been put on hold indefinitely.

Councillor Stu Piddington asked for an update on the CityTown project at this week’s council meeting.

“The army of orange cones [installed on George and Station streets] didn’t seem to work so well, and I have had businesses approach me saying ‘when are you coming to get the feedback, when are you wrapping it up, when do we move forward’,” Piddington said.

READ MORE:
* Vandals leave ratepayers with $10k bill for lift repairs
* Delays a result of resource consent variation, mayor wants developer to take action
* Temporary changes to road layout, buskers to be trialled in Timaru

“When are we actually going to hear about the success, or otherwise, of these?” Piddington asked.

Dixon responded that the council was collecting feedback information all the time via QR codes and online feedback, but said the project had been put on hold.

“After the Station St trial, which is one that was not well received by the public, we have had a bit of a pause, a bit of a rethink on moving forward on the next set of trials.”

Asked about the approach, which saw the trials set up with no engagement with those impacted by them,...