MORE jobs and parking, and better-looking streets are part of a $295,000 Gisborne project led by Macedon Ranges Council.
The state government will give the council $210,000 for a Gisborne central business precinct revitalisation project, which will include an expansion of the AAMI call centre located within the Nexus Centre, more car parking and improved amenity of the area along Goode Street.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Development Damian Drum was in Gisborne yesterday to announce the government's contribution to the project.
The council and Nexus building owners will contribute $85,000.
Council assets and environment director Dale Thornton said planning and design for the project would begin immediately.
"This project is really a revitalisation. It will lift the area and make it look really good. We wrote to all the residents who live along Goode Street and they are enthusiastic about the idea."
Streetscape work will be done along Goode Street, which runs between the Nexus Centre and residential properties.
Mr Drum said expanding the AAMI call centre, Nexus Centre's anchor client, would generate 90 jobs.
"While the Nexus Centre can accommodate the expansion of AAMI, the surrounding streetscape does not adequately provide for the increased activity as a result of AAMI's expansion, specifically in relation to the provision of car parking.
"Key features [of the project] include provision of more parking to accommodate commercial growth, improved lighting and signage, expansion of footpaths to improve connectivity, providing landscaping and installing street furniture."