Ripponvale Road behind Cromwell is starting to become its own little community hub, with new businesses popping up along the main road, and others expanding.

Over the past 18 months new PYO cherry businesses have been added to the mix - several years ago there was just two, now there are seven along the road.

Added to this, owners of the new La Bottega General Store have opened their doors to the public this week, and will be selling freshly baked Italian goods and pasta, as well as fresh local products.

The old Ritchies Gully Store was initially a side business for a cherry orchard owned by Ripponvale Adventure, and the owners had been selling fruit and vegetables, nursery plants and preserves.

Now they have re-established the use of the old building with a focus on offering frozen and fresh pasta, sauces, and an assortment of baked goods like tarts, cakes, and breads. 

A resource consent hearing was held in early December and the directors said the existing store would be a good community asset, rather than letting the building deteriorate and be left unused.  

La Bottega will be run by chef Armando Varlotta (Armando's Kitchen) and partner Christine Kimm - the original owner of Richies Gully, along with Wendy Denholme.

Senior planning officer Oli Monthule-McIntosh said in his report to the hearing that the impact of the proposed store on Cromwell’s business resource area was a pertinent consideration, but believed the potential adverse impacts would be negligible.

“Its operation is of a very small scale, suggesting a limited operational footprint and customer base, which reduces the likelihood of a significant impact on Cromwell's town centre business dynamics. Additionally, the store's unique nature as a local specialty store, offering niche locally made products, sets it apart from the general retail mix in the business resource area. 

“This specialisation indicates that the store will likely attract a niche market, rather than competing directly with the broader retail offerings of the town centre,” he said.

However, he suggested the types of goods sold should be strictly limited so as not to set an undesirable precedent.

“This approach will help maintain the integrity of the District Plan and ensure that this approval is seen as specific to the unique circumstances of this case, rather than a broader shift in policy regarding rural retail activities.”