The Kāpiti Coast District Council has submitted nine “shovel ready” infrastructure projects to be considered for funding
support by Crown Infrastructure Partners.
With a combined value of $201.8 million the projects could be ready to go within the next six to 12 months, subject to
funding support, and would represent significant job and economic opportunities to support the district’s recovery from
COVID-19.
Projects that have the potential to be shovel ready now include the Paraparaumu link road, the Marine Parade seawall in
Paekākāriki, districtwide stormwater upgrades and the water safety and resilience project as outlined in the Long Term
Plan.
The Council has asked the Government to consider grant and loan funding support to get these projects off the ground as
early as possible.
A second category that could realistically get underway in 12 months includes development of a districtwide community
facility, the Waikanae Library and Gallery, stage two of the Maclean Park project, development of Otaraua Park and
social housing development.
Kāpiti District Mayor K Gurunathan says the projects cover a diverse range of sectors and would provide ongoing
employment opportunities from within the community and beyond.
“In response to the Crown Infrastructure Partners request for proposals, the Council has created a strong suite of
projects that could provide significant and much-needed economic stimulus to Kāpiti if funding is secured,” Mr
Gurunathan says.
“We welcome the possibility of investment in local infrastructure from the Government and have put forward a strong case
for support of these projects which will offer immediate relief and provide significant long-term benefit.
“We’re going to need help in the coming months and years as we recover from this world-changing event. But beyond the
strain and the difficulty of getting through the current situation lies an opportunity to do things differently, to
create a new and better normal for all New Zealand, including the Kāpiti Coast.
“It is our hope the Government decides to implement a locally-driven infrastructure programme to support all communities
as we continue to unite against COVID-19.”
Shovel ready projects which meet Government criteria – total value $90.6mProjectDescriptionProposed time frame if funding is securedEstimated job creation opportunitiesParaparaumu Link RoadAlleviate congestion on Kapiti Road and provide strategic transport connectivityWithin six months200Paekakariki Marine Pde SeawallReplacement of a deteriorated 960m seawallWithin six months210Districtwide Stormwater upgradesAlleviate habitable floor flooding and commercial building floodingWithin six months160Water safety and resilience projectInfrastructure upgrades for drinking water supplyWithin six months181
Longer term projects – total value $111.2mProjectDescriptionProposed time frame if funding is securedEstimated job creation opportunitiesDistrictwide Community FacilityDevelopment of a districtwide community facility as part of the next step in an integrated larger Paraparaumu Town
Centre transformation projectWithin 12 months291Waikanae Library and GalleryConstruction of a new Waikanae Library and Service Centre (to replace closed building) and upgrade and redevelopment of
Mahara GalleryWithin 12 months160Maclean Park Development stage 2Continued redevelopment of the park to position it as a regional destinationWithin 12 months98Otaraua Park DevelopmentDevelopment of a new park which will be the main sport and recreation hub for the districtWithin 12 months242Social Housing developmentConstruct 27 Public Housing UnitsWithin 12 months185