Work under way for Kohatu park
Work has started on road improvements to pave the way for the planned Kohatu regional motorsport and adventure park, near Tapawera.
An upgrade of the intersection of Olivers Rd and Motueka Valley Highway is a condition of the resource consent for the proposed park. Tasman District Council has approved a contribution of $300,000 for the road improvements.
Kohatu Park trustee Ash Price said that over the past few months, drawings and specifications for the road alterations were reviewed and approved by council engineers.
‘‘To drive this work, Shane Rodger has taken on the role of project manager,’’ Price said.
Rodger had experience in project management with construction, maintenance and operations contracts in the United States, Australia and New Zealand, Price said. He was a motorsport enthusiast and New Zealand Central Motorsport and Adventure Park Supporters’ Club board member who had volunteered to take on the project management role.
Price said work on the first stage got under way last month, with the clearing of trees and vegetation on the verge where the road was to be widened.
Local contractors voluntarily carried out work including tree felling, the removal of vegetation, traffic management, and the plans and drawings.
‘‘Over the next three months, substantial earthworks, road construction and sealing will take place,’’ Price said.
‘‘Completion will lead to some long-awaited activity on the Kohatu Park site by the four local
‘‘Completion will lead to some longawaited activity on the Kohatu Park site.’’
Ash Price, Kohatu Park trustee
motorsport clubs who have committed to the project.’’
It was hoped that the work would be completed in late November or early December, he said.
About 15 contractors had volunteered machinery, vehicles, labour and materials.
‘‘Obviously, some materials will need to be purchased and some tasks will be invoiced to Kohatu, but given the initial estimate for the work was around $600,000, we expect to finish the project within the $300,000 amount allocated by TDC,’’ Price said.
It was anticipated that motorsport clubs would have more frequent access to areas in the park in 2019, ‘‘though large events open to the public are not yet confirmed’’.
Meanwhile, the Kohatu Park annual meeting is due to be held at Armadillo’s in Richmond on September 30 from 2pm.