Both the sitting Riccarton Councillor Tyla Harrison-Hunt and his 2025 electoral opponent Tony Simons have expressed solidarity with Riccarton businesses and concern over the deteriorating situation.
“The situation is unacceptable. I really feel for the building owners who appear unable to secure good long-term tenants for these premises as a result of increased car parking restrictions on Riccarton Rd and the overwhelming competition from Westfield Mall, which has ample carparking.”
Tony Simons, Riccarton Ward candidate.
“In the coming future, I’m going to hold a meeting with local businesses to discuss the things that are on their mind and how council can assist.”
Tyla Harrison-Hunt, Riccarton Councillor.
As of yesterday, ten shops and possibly two floors on a former insurance building were vacant. This group included two shops in a building that does not comply with seismic requirements (* to clarify yesterday’s count of ten - that included the compromised building and not the two floors).
Amidst the closures, graffiti, begging, anti-social behavior, and rough sleeping have ramped up. Two gyms, F45 and UBX, will also depart.
Tyla Harrison-Hunt has been the Riccarton Councillor since 2022.
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