Have your say on plans for our town centre! |
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 TC260608DT01 REMOVING heavy through traffic from the CBD during business hours is rated the highest priority project in the Heart of Te Awamutu draft concept design and project list - now in the consultation stage. Te Awamutu residents have an opportunity to have their say on proposals to revamp Te Awamutu’s town centre. In the first stage of the project, Council asked for feedback on the issues and projects residents felt needed to be considered as part of the future development of the CBD. Based on public comments and submissions, the project steering committee worked hard to prepare a concept plan that reflected community aspirations. As a result of this, a draft project list has been drawn up that addresses existing issues and future opportunities, incorporating businesses, traffic movement, parking, pedestrian needs, heritage and sport and recreation. Community feedback now will aid Council in reconfirming or amending the timing of projects and funding arrangements. In today’s Courier, there is a two page spread comprising a ‘Heart of Te Awamutu’ concept map and project prioritisation list, plus information on a project open day and how you can make a submission. Waipa District Mayor Alan Livingston strongly encourages Te Awamutu residents to ‘‘get involved’’. "I encourage everyone to carefully consider the concept plan and provide feedback, as now is the important time to make a difference. This is an exciting opportunity to influence and determine Te Awamutu’s future, so we need to get it right. Good planning and good quality work will set Te Awamutu up very well for the next 30 years. "One key aspect is the discussion around heavy trucks travelling along Alexandra Street. Council is aware this is not ideal, so is recommending a compromise of restricted hours for truck access. The implications of this need to be fully considered by residents and reflected in their submissions to Council," Mr Livingston says. "Our heavy trucking businesses provide a high commercial value to the town. Their economic benefit is important to our community, while all of these long established companies are an integral part of Te Awamutu." The truck bylaw and associated Mutu Street/SH3 intersection improvements are listed as the highest priority item in the project prioritisation list that appears inside today’s issue. It has an estimated cost of $800,00 and assumes funding from rates, Government subsidy and development contributions. In conjunction with this project, strengthening of Mutu Street road pavement would be required, at an estimated cost of $700,000 (same funding sources). The upgrade of Alexandra Street has an estimated cost of $3.66 Million and involves upgrading paving, street furniture, landscaping and lighting and increasing footpath width. Funding would once again be from rates, Government subsidy and development contributions. Fourth item on the
priority list is a new ‘Cultural
Centre’ (on the vacant
Mahoe Street/Selwyn Lane
site opposite the Events
Centre).
It could include a
museum, art gallery, performing
arts centre and
conference facilities.
The centre has an estimated Other projects include increased carparking for the Events Centre and proposed Cultural Centre, landscaping, planting and paving work for Selwyn Park, Rose Gardens etc, Arawata Street and Sloane Street town centre ‘gateways (new central islands etc) a new ‘Wellness Centre’ for community facilities, including Plunket - estimated at $1.46 Million with funding from grants and community fundraising. These are just some of the proposed projects in what looms as an exciting next 10-20 years for Te Awamutu. Check out today’s centre spread on pages 12-13 and read the statement from steering group chair, Michael Cox on page 2. |