Council released its new Public Realm Concept Plan for the town of Pōkeno this week, which has been developed to support
the rapidly growing residential community.
The high-level Public Realm Concept Plan brings together various projects within the town’s centre which aim to
transform Pōkeno into a vibrant, people-centric community destination.
It supports existing and intended projects and plans such as the Long-Term Plan, Pōkeno Local Area Blueprints and the
Waikato District Growth and Economic Development Strategy 2070.
Taking into consideration several pieces of work already being undertaken, the Public Realm Concept Plan enables better
coordination of the natural (soft) and built (hard) environments within the public realm areas of Pōkeno, with emphasis
on Great South Road and the town centre.
The Public Realm Concept Plan also focuses on improving accessibility to the town centre for walking and cycling, the
provision of a heavy traffic bypass, and guiding the development of streetscape upgrades to support and increase
pedestrian activity.
Council’s General Manager for Community Growth, Clive Morgan, says that the Plan provides a programme that highlights
the ongoing collaboration efforts to deliver various identified projects.
"Council acknowledges the importance of working with local stakeholders and existing community members and businesses to
achieve the desired outcomes for the future of Pōkeno.
We are fortunate to have representation and input into the Public Realm Concept Plan from the Pōkeno Community Committee
and Mana Whenua. This is imperative to retain and enhance the identity of the township,” says Mr. Morgan.
Council will continue to consult on projects referenced in the Public Realm Concept Plan, and delivery of existing and
intended projects requires ongoing partnership.