REWIND the clock by 20 years and the Port Macquarie CBD property owners had a vision to transform the town centre.
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But they couldn't do it alone.
A partnership with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council was formed and the Town Centre Master Plan Sub-Committee was established.
The Town Centre Master Plan guided the Port Macquarie town centre improvements and it remains a work in progress to put "feet on the street" and ensure the town centre remains attractive to residents and visitors.
The major projects and improvements are substantially funded by a special rate levy.
Works to the value of nearly $12 million have been completed, with a further $15 million earmarked to complete planned works.
About 70 people gathered on Thursday night to celebrate the 20-year collaboration.
Town Centre Master Plan Sub-Committee chairman Cr Geoff Hawkins said it was an initiative of CBD property owners at that time, so began one of the truly great partnerships of regional Australia.
He said 20 years on, the partnership was as strong and productive as ever.
Town Centre Master Plan Sub-Committee member Brian Tierney encouraged a new generation of property owners to come forward and continue the good work.
"There is a generation, a younger generation, coming through now," he said.
Mr Tierney said they were the custodians.
Mayor Peter Besseling spoke about the benefits of the partnership.
The council appreciated the opportunity to use the funds to keep the CBD a vibrant place to visit, and for the property owners, there was a set of dollars able to be allocated to projects with the flexibility of having the Town Centre Master Plan Sub-Committee to advise the council.
"Port Macquarie has been loved and it has been cherished," Cr Besseling said.
"While other areas, they might evolve, we have seen a transformation."
Cr Besseling said the vision for the future was a shared one.
The master plan covers town centre streets, foreshores, parklands and open spaces with a boundary defined by the Town Green to the north, Kooloonbung Creek to the west, Gordon Street to the south, and to the east a series of boundaries along both Murray Street and Munster Street.
