Heartfelt ‘hints’ for Council

The Heart of Te Awamutu project is crucial to the future ‘shape and direction’ of Te Awamutu central business area.

That becomes clear from responses by Council staff to a number of issues raised in Draft Annual Plan submissions.

Te Awamutu Chamber of Commerce thinks the CBD upgrade is important enough for Council to increase the budget for it from $3.85 Million to $10 Million over the next three years. The Chamber wants the project to attract customers and business to the town centre, through:

• addressing parking issues.
• removal of heavy traffic from the CBD.
• non-retail zoned property in Alexandra Street through to Mahoe Street area be rezoned retail and business in that area asked to relocate to a more suitable site.
• monitored CCTV cameras through the CBD area to assist in reduction of criminal activity.

It also wants to see district promotion through the creation of a district-wide promotion initiative and urgent action on improving signage promoting Te Awamutu on State Highways and local roads. The Chamber also asked Council to be proactive in encouraging Transpower to establish a second power supply feed for Te Awamutu. It wants clear zoning for commercial, retail and industrial opportunities and a ‘one stop shop’ at Council for developers/business investors looking at establishing new businesses, along with rates rebates and lower infrastructural set-up costs.

Funding was supported for the Community Safety Officer’s wages (as requested in the Te Awamutu Safer Community Charitable Trust submission). Te Awamutu Community Board also submitted in favour of Community Safety Officer funding and a number of amenity issues - including a higher budget for footpath renewals and replacement (along with a higher standard specification), lighting for Te Awamutu-Kihikihi walkway, all intersections, parks and gardens, Rewi Street, Centennial Park and skateboard bowl.

A different standard for parks and street furniture to deter vandalism is wanted and a site identified for an adventure playground that would appeal to teenagers as well as younger children.

The Board wants the new district signage standard to be implemented, a cycle lane from Te Awamutu to Kihikihi, water conservation measures, an increase in discretionary grants fund to $30,000.

In staff comment provided to Council’s policy committee on both the Chamber and Community Board submissions,it was stated that the 10-year Plan developed next year would address a number of issues, as would the Heart of Te Awamutu project (which is being worked on by a group of Council and community representatives). The review of the District Plan would address provision of land to support future needs of business activities.

Council certainly has plenty of input on issues relating to aspects of the Heart of Te Awamutu project - the $10 Million question will be whether common aspirations, once clarified, can be met financially.