Orewa’s Future in Community Hands

Helping the community to create a master plan for Orewa is the goal of a series of workshops held by Rodney District Council in August.

The first of three sessions to discuss and plan what Orewa town centre will look like in 2050 gets under way Saturday, 12 August and everyone is invited.

“The sessions are an opportunity for the Orewa community to create a town plan for Orewa. The plan will describe the town look and feel as it prepares to accommodate 15,000 people over the next 44 years,” says Jason Evans, Rodney District Councils senior Policy Planner.

The sessions will look at environmental quality and urban design including how roads and spaces between buildings will function, the provision of recreational space and the mix of land use that may be appropriate and where.

“Orewa has been identified by the Auckland Regional Growth Strategy as an area that will require intensification in the future,” said Mr Evans.

“There is an expectation under the growth strategy that the population of Orewa will increase to help cater for regional population growth. What we need to determine is how we can do that while creating a town that the community is proud of,” he added.

Mr Evans says the sessions will encompass more than simply discussions about the height of buildings in Orewa.

“Previously, building height has been a focal point for discussions about Orewa’s growth and while this is undeniably a factor in our planning, we need to look at the bigger picture – these sessions are an opportunity for people to give their ideas about the number and size of public spaces and facilities, shops, cafes and restaurants, roading and parking,” he says.

The three sessions will be held this Saturday, 12 August at Orewa College; Friday, 18 August at the Orewa Community Centre; and Saturday 19 August at Orewa College.

For catering purposes, people wishing to attend should contact Jason Evans, on 0800 426 5169 or Jason.evans@rodney.govt.nz

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