‘Transformational’ KiwiRail hub gains planning tick
We are now working on a business case for investment to build the hub. The aim is for it to begin operating around 2030. Olivia Poulsen, KiwiRail executive general manager property
KiwiRail’s Regional Rail Hub near Palmerston North has reached a significant milestone, with the Independent Hearing Panel recommending it be given the planning designation it needs to proceed.
KiwiRail applied to have the land the hub will be built on designated for rail use — a consenting process commonly used for large infrastructure projects — in October 2020. This was followed by public hearings on the designation before the panel last August and September.
“After careful consideration, the panel has today confirmed that it recommends to KiwiRail that it proceed with the designation. This is great news for us and for Palmerston North, marking a major milestone for the hub project,” executive general manager property Olivia Poulsen says.
KiwiRail had proposed comprehensive conditions for the hub project, including how to manage noise, dust, light and traffic during construction and its later operation, Poulsen says.
“The panel provided feedback on those conditions, including suggesting some small changes. We are currently working through those, before responding to the council in the next month.
“The hub will be transformational, supporting economic development in Manawatu¯ and stimulating growth in Palmerston North’s already important logistics sector.
“It will also enable more freight to go on rail — reducing transport carbon emissions — and relieve traffic congestion from heavy trucks in the city.
“We fully appreciate that a hub of this size will change the landscape on the northern edge of Palmerston North, but we are confident any effects can be mitigated. We are looking forward to working with the community to manage changes in the years ahead.”
KiwiRail received $40 million seed funding from the Government in 2019 for the high-level design of the hub, to designate it and to begin purchasing land.
“We are now working on a business case for investment to build the hub. The aim is for it to begin operating around 2030,” Poulsen says.
KiwiRail has 30 working days to advise Palmerston North City Council whether it accepts or rejects the recommendation in whole or in part.
The council will notify those who submitted feedback and an appeal period will follow.
KiwiRail has outgrown its decades-old rail yard in Palmerston North and plans to transform 177 hectares of land to the north of the city into a 24/7 operation designed to accommodate trains up to 1.5km long.
The area for the proposed new yard stretches from the Palmerston North Airport industrial zone to Bunnythorpe. Properties in its path will be acquired under the Public Works Act.