Feedback has opened on a draft masterplan for an extensive open space in Hamilton.
The West Town Belt is an expansive 54ha network of parks, gullies, sports facilities (including Seddon Park and FMG
Stadium Waikato) and community facilities on the edge of Hamilton’s central city.
Originally serving as a boundary between the historic Hamilton and Frankton boroughs, the West Town Belt stretches from
Hamilton Girls’ High School to Edgecumbe Park, linking the Hamilton Lake Domain to the Waikato River.
Hamilton City Council’s Parks and Recreation Manager Maria Barrie says the Draft West Town Belt Masterplan is a
long-term guide to the use and development of the West Town Belt over the next 30 years.
“Over time the West Town Belt has become a fragmented open space and there are many important sites located on the town
belt requiring a comprehensive consideration and planning,” she says.
“The residential population of central Hamilton is also increasing, and existing and new residents need access to
quality open space.
“The Draft Masterplan has been developed to address these matters and ensure that moving forward, we develop a town belt
that is a dynamic, well-used and treasured open space for all Hamiltonians and our visitors,” Ms Barrie says.
The Draft West Town Belt Masterplan has been developed through an initial consultation with stakeholders and includes a
vision, goals and five key strategies to enhance the space.
The Masterplan breaks the West Town Belt down into nine character areas which provide a focus for more specific
potential developments. The projects are not currently funded, however the plan would inform the Council on future
decision-making.
As a draft document, public input is being sought to understand how the West Town Belt is used and how it should be
developed over the coming years.
To view the Draft West Town Belt Masterplan, and to provide comment, visit www.hamilton.govt.nz/westtownbelt
Staff involved in this project will also host an Open Day on the West Town Belt on Saturday 11 May, on the corner of
Mill St and Seddon Rd (the former V8 Supercar Pit Lane site), from 1-5pm.
Feedback closes on Monday 27 May, after which staff will make any changes considered necessary before a final version is
presented to the Council for adoption.