Planning for Taupo’s future takes another step

MEDIA RELEASE

9 October 2009

A majority vote by a Council joint committee allows the planning for the urban, commercial and industrial areas in Taupo to progress to the next step. 

The draft structure plan, which has undergone extensive pre-consultation, will focus on the commercial and industrial areas Taupo Urban area.  It will include the creation of a civic heart incorporating a three story multi-use building providing for flexible events space, a cultural arts and heritage centre and civic administration space on the Tongariro Domain.

Once completed it is anticipated the draft Structure Plan will go undergo extended public consultation through December and January 2010. 

Mayor Rick Cooper commented that the ETA will be completed before long which is the key driver for the structure plan.  “We need to get moving” he says, “once the ETA opens we will have SH1 back as local road, just think what this will mean for our town – the world is our oyster.  But if we do nothing to draw people here they may just keep on driving.”

To cater for the anticipated growth in industry which the ETA is expected to bring, Council has taken a closer look at land previously identified as having potential for future growth. Some of these areas have constraints (such as faultlines, ecological significance, or thermal ‘hot’ ground) while the remaining land is more suitable for development. Exactly how this land would be able to be developed will be consulted on in the coming months.

Councillor Kathryn Uvhagen, Chairman of the T/K-M/P Committee said that she supports the development of the Taupo Urban Commercial and Industrial Structure Plan to encourage future investment opportunities and to encourage the town to develop in an efficient and productive way.  “I look forward to the completion of the draft structure plan going out to the public and I strongly urge people to submit their views.”

Clr Don Ormsby, Chairman of Regulatory and Hearings committee says, “this is just one more step in the process and the formal consultation starting in December will provide opportunities for everybody in the district to have their say on the structure plan.”

Contact:
Group Manager,
Gareth Green
Taupo District Council
ph 021 498 9034