Timaru District Council has today released its long term plan to guide development in our city, as well as outlining the next steps for the project.

The Timaru CityTown Masterplan and the Masterplan Next Steps documents are now available at timarucitytown.co.nz/masterplan

The Masterplan provides a guide for strategic ratepayer investment as and when council units renew key infrastructure, and highlights the processes, plans and policies that facilitate urban regeneration led by the community and private sector. This is council’s Enabling role.

The plan also guides private investors looking to contribute towards town centre activities and development over the coming years, as together we unlock both private returns on investment and the community outcomes which landlords and business can achieve.

Council, its CCOs and the private sector can also use this plan to attract external funding or investment in featured or well-aligned initiatives, in reliance on the robust evidence base and stakeholder insight which the Masterplan unites.

Spokesperson for the project, Councillor Owen Jackson, said that it had its origins in a community led initiative to create a vibrant and thriving CBD.

“What was needed was a ‘Masterplan’ that would replace ad hoc and reactive project delivery, and unlock complementary public and private investment in a purposeful strategic work programme,” he said.

“The agreed vision – Te Hokinga ki te Ngakau – Return to the Heart now reflects our shared purpose being to draw more people into our town centre. Our community is looking for enhanced connectivity and experience, while businesses require customers, commuters and residents to thrive.

“This Masterplan considers and seeks to balance the needs and lifestyles of our present generation with the younger generations we want to attract and retain. We want our town centre to be celebrated and supported by residents and visitors now, and in the future.

“It is time for us to adapt to a decentralised and ageing population, ageing, earthquake prone buildings and infrastructure, and to respond to retail decline. It is time to breathe new life into the centre with urban living, consolidated retail, inviting, attractive social spaces and activities.”

While the masterplan had a multi-decade outlook, also released today is the accompanying ‘Next Steps’ summary, which outlines projects that can be delivered within the next five years.

Within its latest Long Term Plan, Council has committed $6m for capital projects to begin this process in years 1-5 of the Long Term Plan 2024 - 2034, with a further $600k in operational funding split across years 1-3 to support community and commercial vibrancy.

Council has also committed $300k to the replacement of the Strathallan Corner toilets which, with a further $300k from the MBIE Tourism Infrastructure Fund, gives a total budget of $600k for the toilets upgrade.

“Council now welcomes your feedback on the Masterplan and will use this to guide interpretation and implementation,’ said Jackson.

“Where your comments relate to a year one project (vibrancy or infrastructure) we will use this feedback immediately to help shape our work programmes. Specifically, relevant feedback can inform preparation of the draft Strathallan Corner design to be presented for stakeholder and community consultation in late 2024.”

“We are also still determining the order of priority (and the delivery detail) for the ‘top seven opportunities to increase vibrancy’ and your feedback will be used to help rank these opportunities and prioritise year one funding allocation.”

Please email us with your comments or questions at citytown@timdc.govt.nz, or sign up to our CityTown mailing list at https://www.timarucitytown.co.nz/get-involved to be kept in the loop on upcoming projects and feedback opportunities.

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