Walkway work still in planning stage
Work is continuing on the planned $8 million, 10-kilometre extension of New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway to Waitara, but there is no start date on the horizon.
The walkway was approved in the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) 2018-28 Long-Term Plan, but the council is still working on the plans with stakeholders, including NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), iwi, the airport and the local community board.
‘‘We won’t know the final route or design until the planning is finished,’’ NPDC infrastructure manager David Langford said in an emailed statement.
He said it was too early to say when work would begin.
‘‘We’re still working on the planning. We’re planning for the walkway extension to link up with the boardwalk in Waitara Marine Park.’’
The walkway would be funded with an estimated $4m from NPDC and another $4m from NZTA, subject to the agency signing off on the business case.
‘‘We’re working through the NZTA business case process and that will determine the final cost of the preferred route.
‘‘It will go out for public feedback, and elected members
will then decide whether to fund it.
‘‘NZTA is our partner and they are committed to the planning process under way.’’
North Ward councillor Colin Johnston said the last meeting with stakeholders was before the election. ‘‘One of the main problems was they were trying to secure some property there.’’
But people in the township were excited about the prospect, he said.
‘‘You can see what the New Plymouth walkway has done since that has been there.’’
Waitara Community Board chair Jonathan Marshall said they had requested before Christmas to know the start date of the walkway extension, but it had yet to be confirmed.
It will be a great thing for the town when it does come, he said.