Ōmokoroa Projects: a District Council update
During June, some of the projects taking place across Ōmokoroa have been slowed once again by Covid-related resourcing and supply issues as well as a flurry of wet weather. But the team is working hard to get things completed as quickly as possible.
Thank you to everyone who shared their views on the Ōmokoroa Plan Change. We’re sharing your feedback, together with updates across the peninsula. If you have any questions or concerns please get in touch. As always, we thank you for your patience.
Roading projects update
Western Avenue Urbanisation (Ōmokoroa Road to the north of Gane Place)
As mentioned above, we’ve experienced some delays here due to the wet weather and Covid-related resourcing. We’re now on track to complete the shared footpath/cycle path, and the remaining pieces of work in July.
Did you know the new shared path will be close to three metres in width? Room for walkers, runners, cyclists and mobility scooters to share. We’re also widening the existing road to 10 metres, putting extra distance between cars and pedestrians/cyclists. These improvements make the road safer for all users, especially as growth continues.
We have completed the resurfacing and remarking of the sports pavilion carpark. Please note this is now a one-way system - so watch for the signs. Soon, we will complete the construction of the shared footpath/cycle path. New street lights are also going in.
Ōmokoroa Road Urbanisation Stage 1 (Western Avenue to Tralee St)
This project has also been delayed this month and is now due for completion in July. Of note, we have been working on the construction of a new roundabout at McKenna Lane, which will improve safety and access at this intersection and the nearby shops.
The remaining works include resurfacing between McKenna Lane and Tralee Street, landscaping and planting.
Ōmokoroa Southern Industrial Road and stormwater pond
We are finalising the documents for the Industrial Road project to go to tender, and investigating the design and construction of a stormwater pond to collect and clean stormwater run-off from the new industrial road area.
Kaimai Views to Tūī Glen pedestrian/ cycleway overbridge
We have developed options for the pedestrian and cycleway overbridge over the Trunk Main connecting Kaimai Views to Tūī Glen.
We received some great feedback from the community in May regarding these options, which will help us finalise the designs.
Next, we will complete the design and apply for the necessary consents from Kiwirail and Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Construction is expected to start around October and be complete by June 2023 (note timing is subject to consent approval process).
Heartwood Avenue (Prole Road to Kaimai Views)
We have received feedback from the community on options for the design and construction of Heartwood Avenue from Prole Road to Kaimai Views. This work includes the associated utility facilities e.g. water, wastewater, power etc. to support a number of potential land developments adjacent to Heartwood Avenue.
We are considering all feedback as we work to complete the designs.
This work will assist traffic to use this as an alternative route to Prole Road while the Prole Road Urbanisation project is under construction.
What to expect next? Complete the design for the Heartwood Avenue extension. Construction is expected to begin in late 2022.
Ōmokoroa Domain
We have some exciting news! After lengthy delays due to Covid-19, the final touches to the projects associated with the new playground are almost complete!
We’ve now installed the new furniture and installation of the barbecue is underway. We expect this to be complete in July.
Construction will begin later in 2022 for remaining domain upgrades, such as a new path connection along the foreshore to Gerald Crapp reserve and car-parking improvements.
Prole Road to Pahoia Cycleway
The new suspension bridge remains closed to the public until trail connections through to Pahoia Road are finished and land access agreements are completed. Please note the area at the end of Prole Road is private property and monitored by CCTV.
The trail is expected to be opened later in 2022.
Cooney Reserve upgrade
Cyclists are enjoying the new chip seal on the section coming down the hill. We are also working with a local community group ‘Friends of Cooney’ to improve the natural environment and encourage more native bird life at the reserve. Their work has included new plantings and the removal of pests.
What to expect next: A new toilet block is planned for construction in late 2022, along with new seating, bike stands and a repair station for bikes. New signage will be installed.
Ōmokoroa Structure Plan and draft residential rules
As many of you know, changes to the Resource Management Act mean we are required to enable mediumdensity housing across the whole Ōmokoroa peninsula. So, we are running a plan change to allow this to take place.
In May we engaged with the Ōmokoroa community
on the proposed changes to the District Plan, thank you to everyone who shared their views with us. You told us important things, such as:
You want to see more properties suitable for first home buyers, including affordable options. Housing for our elderly whānau is also a priority. You also asked for more larger houses, and some tiny homes too.
You told us you have some concerns about the potential loss of the village feel Ōmokoroa has and want to see the character retained in some areas.
You want to see green spaces maintained and wildlife protected.
You want to see creative facilities as well, including space for our tamariki and teenagers to hang out.
A full feedback summary is available to read. We are carefully considering your feedback as we prepare the final rules.
What to expect next: The Ōmokoroa Plan Change will be notified on 20th August.
The new medium-density residential standards will have immediate legal effect when the Plan Change is notified.
We will be using the government’s Intensified Streamlined Planning Process to run the Plan Change. This is a new planning pathway provided by central government and it allows the plan change to occur more quickly.
Once the Plan Change is notified you will have an opportunity to make a formal submission and choose whether you wish to be heard at the hearing which will take place in the first quarter of 2023.
To keep updated with this process, visit yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz
Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF) proposal State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa intersection
Council has put forward a proposal to the Kāinga Oramanaged Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF) to create an interim solution to the safety and capacity issues at the State Highway 2 Ōmokoroa intersection. This proposal is seen as a 10-year solution until full funding is available to build the entire interchange for the State Highway 2 / Ōmokoroa Road intersection.
Kāinga Ora announced on 3rd May that our $38.4 million application has progressed to the final negotiation stage of the IAF.
We expect to hear the outcome of this stage of the process in July.