Get ready to paint the town green!

The white cross adorning the former Gateway Church on Victoria Street will soon be replaced by the golden arches of fast food giant McDonald’s.

And the owners are pledging to make the restaurant the number one Maccas in the country.

The church sold the site to McDonald’s Restaurants last year and moved to the corner of Clyde St and Grey St in Hamilton East.

Work is expected to begin next week, starting with the removal of the big white cross atop the church.

Owners Rob and Linley Parry want the building to be “the number one looking Maccas in the country”.

The restaurant will have an interior decor palette that’s likely to have “bit of everything”.

“The dining room is going to be the first decor palette in New Zealand, so we’re really excited about that.”

The Parrys run three other McDonald’s sites in Five Cross Roads, Chartwell and Hamilton East and found out late last year that they would run the new Hamilton central McDonald’s.

One measure of Graham Boswell's contribution to his profession was the over 500 acknowledgements that marked his passing on social media. A more profound appreciation of a man who gave his working life to not only sustaining the family business he inherited but growing it and forging industry connections locally, nationally and internationally, could be found in the substance of many of these reminiscences and tributes. A doyen of Hamilton photography and fierce advocate for the city's CBD commerce and history, Graham was admired as much for his warm, gentle manner behind the counter as he was respected for his vast knowledge, collegial encouragement of his peers and unquestionable personal integrity.

Beyond Snapshot, the business in which he worked in one capacity or another for over half a century, Graham was a loving husband, father and grandfather, a dedicated tramper and skier, a far-sighted and proactive member of community and industry organisations and a habitual collector of cameras, the founder and curator of his city's informal museum of photography.

Graham Robert Boswell was born 10 December, 1954, in Hamilton, the second child and only son of Maurice Robert Boswell and Yvonne Beverley Boswell (nee Blinkhorne). Eight years prior his father had purchased Bell's Photography, a Victoria St business founded back in 1928, which in 1946 he rechristened Snapshot. Yvonne was an employee of the former owner and she later married the new owner.

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This March, Claudelands Bridge will close to vehicles and reopen as Bridge to Homegrown, a pedestrian-only link connecting Hamilton’s CBD with Jim Beam Homegrown at Claudelands Oval.

From 6am Saturday 14 March until 3am Sunday 15 March, the bridge will be closed to vehicles and open to pedestrians from 10am. Activity and festival atmosphere on the bridge will build later in the day, with the space becoming a lively, walkable connection open to everyone, not just festival ticket holders.

Jim Beam Homegrown, New Zealand’s largest all-Kiwi music festival, returns to the Waikato in 2026, bringing thousands of visitors into the city and providing a significant opportunity to showcase Hamilton as a host city for major events.

Bridge to Homegrown has been designed to safely move people between the city and the festival while activating one of Hamilton’s most iconic connections.

Sean Murray, Hamilton City Council’s General Manager Destinations Group says the bridge activation is about creating a positive city experience alongside the return of a major national event.

“Bridge to Homegrown is about making it easy for people to spend time in the city and support local businesses,” says Murray. “By creating a pedestrian-only connection between the CBD and Claudelands Oval, we’re encouraging people to arrive earlier, stay longer and explore Hamilton before and after the festival.”

Murray says the activation also plays an important role in creating an inclusive and enjoyable public space.

“Closing the bridge to vehicles and opening it up to people allows us to create a safe, lively environment that anyone can enjoy. It’s about connecting the city, supporting the local economy and showcasing Hamilton as a great host for major events.”

Clear wayfinding, maps and signage will guide pedestrians, while alternative routes and public transport options will remain available for road users during the temporary closure.

Bridge to Homegrown creates a shared space that invites people to walk, explore and enjoy the city, connecting the CBD and Claudelands Oval in a way that feels safe, celebratory and distinctly Hamilton.

Further information, including maps and access details, will be coming soon on hamiltonhostcity.co.nz

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Planning the perfect Valentine's Day celebration? You'll find everything you need right here in Hamilton Central, where romance meets convenience. Whether you're searching for an intimate dinner, stunning jewellery, or gorgeous flowers, Valentine's shopping in Hamilton Central offers something special for everyone.

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Dining Experiences

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Palate Restaurant – An Exquisite Evening

Located at 346 Victoria Street, Palate Restaurant invites you to spoil that special someone with an exquisite dinner for two. This is the perfect setting for an unforgettable Valentine's evening, where exceptional cuisine meets intimate atmosphere. Bookings are essential, so don't wait to secure your table.

Reserve your table here palaterestaurant.co.nz/events

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Le Rendez-Vous – French Romance

Bring your chérie to 113 Alexandra Street and celebrate love à la française at Le Rendez-Vous. This Valentine's Day, you're invited to enjoy an intimate dinner inspired by French romance. Their specially curated menu features authentic galettes and crêpes, crafted to be shared and savoured in a warm, cosy setting. Whether it's your first Valentine's together or one of many, they'll set the scene for a memorable evening filled with flavour, love, and French charm. Bookings are essential, reserve your table today here lerendezvoushamilton.com

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Furnace Steakhouse

Valentine’s Day Lunch Degustation!

Join Furnace at 150 Victoria Street on Saturday the 14th of February as they host an exclusive Valentine’s Day lunch degustation, featuring five courses curated by acclaimed Hamilton chef Andrew Clarke.

Designed for a leisurely and romantic afternoon from 12.30pm to 3.30pm, with a focus on sharing with your partner, this intimate event is limited to just 75 places. Tickets are $99 per person, or $129 with wine matches.

To book your table, email info@furnacerestaurant.co.nz

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Keystone Bar & Restaurant

Something for every couple at Keystone, 150 Victoria Street this Valentine’s Day, whether it’s burgers, pizzas, mains, or $12 plates that are perfect for sharing! Our tables are filling up so make sure to book now.

keystonebar.co.nz

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The Bank Bar & Brasserie

The Bank, 117 Victoria Street is the perfect spot for affordable dining this Valentine’s Day! They’ll have $15 lunches available from 11.30am - 4pm and $20 dinner mains from 5pm - late.

Book your spot early

thebank.co.nz

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The Helm Bar & Kitchen

Heat to the Helm at 22 Ulster Street and enjoy dinner followed by 2 for 1 Desserts!  

Chiefs live on screens with commentary and Happy Hour for the duration of the game.

Book a table today.

thehelm.co.nz

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Timeless Jewellery Gifts

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Goldsmiths Gallery – Stunning Selections

At 427 Victoria Street, showcases a wide range of stunning dress rings, pendants, earrings, bangles, bracelets, and chains. With so many beautiful options available, you're sure to find the perfect piece. Visit Goldsmiths Gallery to discover their collection.

goldsmithsgallery.co.nz

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Precious Metals – Your Unique Story

Located in Centre Place Shopping Centre at 501 Victoria Street, Precious Metals has made it their mission to help you celebrate your experiences in a way that is special and unique to your story. Discover Precious Metals and find a perfectly meaningful gift!

Their Valentine's catalogue has just dropped in to make your life easier. Click here to view catalogue.

Plus, every $100 you spend, you get an entry into our Valentine's Giveaway.

‍preciousmetals.co.nz

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Midas Diamond Jewellers – Handcrafted Excellence

Find Midas Diamond Jewellers in Casabella Lane at 307 Barton Street, where diamond specialists Paul and Suzanne bring 50 years of expertise to every piece. Paul is renowned for crafting exquisite, top quality handmade jewellery, specialising in one of a kind designs. If you're looking for something truly exceptional, visit Midas Diamond Jewellers today.

midasdiamondjewellers.co.nz

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