Timaru CBD to be rebranded as ‘The Exchange’

Friday, 27 June 2025

Tash Broadhead, of Soul and Co, left, Glen Patterson of the CBD Group, Tania Stoddart, of Venture Timaru, and Micah Templeton, of SPF Websites, on Thursday ready to launch The Exchange at Timaru’s Matariki Night Market on Friday.

It’s been more than two years in the making, and on Friday the rebrand of Timaru’s CBD as a destination celebrating local business, creativity, culture, and community, will be launched.

The Exchange covers the Timaru Business Improvement District (BID) area, and was developed in collaboration with the Timaru CBD Group, local businesses and community stakeholders, and creative agency SPF Websites, based within the BID itself.

It has been described by those behind it as “a bold new identity’’ for the CBD and as part of the rebrand a new online guide and website would provide information on where to shop, dine, relax, and explore in central Timaru.

It comes in the same week it was revealed international jewellery chain Michael Hill would close its store in Timaru’s CBD next month.

In May 2023, CBD property owners voted to establish the BID, a levy-funded collaborative scheme, which aimed to breathe more life into Timaru’s CBD.

Timaru’s former Colonial Mutual Life Assurance (CML) building in Stafford St which features branding for The Exchange.

The official launch would coincide with Timaru’s Matariki Night Market to be held in the CBD on Friday, BID manager Tania Stoddart said.

“We’re proud to launch The Exchange,’’ she said.

“We hope people feel a sense of connection as they explore the website and rediscover the businesses in our CBD.’’

She said during consultation, it was clear the point of difference for the CBD was not about size or scale, but the craftsmanship, personal service, and community feel that made the place special.

As well as being a user-friendly guide to the district, the website would feature regular stories shining a light on the real people behind the business, she said.

Firdaus Che Sam grilling chicken satay skewers at Timaru’s Matariki Night Market in 2024.

She said the name The Exchange drew from the town’s rich trading history and symbolised the ongoing exchange of ideas, commerce, and culture.

“It’s a place where heritage meets innovation, where the past and future work together to shape a thriving community.’’

The launch of the new branding marked a major milestone for the BID which was adopted into the Timaru District Council’s 2024 Annual Plan.

She said the BID’s mission was to drive foot traffic, enable business growth, build confidence, and position the CBD as a place where people wanted “to work, live, invest, and belong’’.

“This brand gives us a platform to showcase everything that makes our CBD special,” she said.

An aerial view of Timaru’s CBD showing the former CML building to the left. (File photo)

“It’s a catalyst for economic momentum and a celebration of local pride.”

The Exchange was also part of broader effort to attract new businesses to the district, she said.

“We’re planting the seed for future growth.

“The ‘Meet the Locals’ section on our website is designed to inspire and connect. It celebrates the people who make this place what it is and it shows that this is a community where new businesses can feel confident to set up and succeed.”

Property listings and contact information for anyone considering bringing their business to The Exchange would also be linked on the website, she said.

Timaru’s Matariki Night Market, on Friday, begins at 4.30pm in the CBD.

Visit theexchangetimaru.nz.