Inspiring visions of future Gisborne city

A discussion on what could be done to revitalise the CBD and the area around the Waikanae was a highpoint of a Council workshop on urban development this week.

The Future Tairāwhiti Committee met to review the ideas proposed in the draft Urban Development Strategy on Monday 30 November.

Councillors were positive about the concepts proposed in the draft Strategy, which includes the development of cycleways and pathways in the area and also re-development of Grey Street as the main connection between the Oneroa walkway, Waikanae stream, CBD and Taruheru River.

They were shown an artist’s impression of how the entrance to the Waikanae Top 10 Holiday Park might look if re-designed with access from Awapuni Road and including a combined visitor information centre.

“This is only the ‘ideas’ phase at the moment, there are no plans to develop this in the area at this stage,” says planning and development group manager, Nedine Thatcher Swann.

“If the strategy is adopted it will guide how we plan for future development.

“The main aim is to have a cohesive vision for how we link our waterways and recreation areas with residential areas and the town centre, which would ultimately have flow-on benefits for city businesses and the region.”

A number of actions described in the draft Urban Development Strategy are already underway as part of the 2015-2025 Long Term Plan including planning for improvements to Alfred Cox Park and major projects like the HB Williams Library extension, Tairawhiti Navigations and the inner harbour upgrade.

Staff will incorporate the suggestions from the Future Tairāwhiti meeting and the revised Urban Development Strategy will be put to the full Council meeting on Thursday 17 December for adoption.

ENDS

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