Luxury spa project in design phase
A major tourism destination set to be built in Te Aroha is entering its design phase as council seeks push the estimated $18.9 million dollar luxury spa project ahead.
From the start the multimillion dollar investment has been a council initiative to ‘‘attract more visitors to the town and district’’.
Matamata-Piako District Council has since brought a group of experts on board to manage the concept designs and costings for the spa which will be delivered to council to undergo a review.
Outgoing Matamata-Piako District Mayor, Ash Tanner said it was important to keep the momentum going, so council could further understand the viability of the project.
They had also investigated the land stability and geothermal water availability for the new day spa which was promising he said.
’’ We’re now starting to get to the stage where we’re working on the concept designs for what it might look like...and then it comes back to the feasibility of whether it still stacks up as a business case,’’ Tanner said.
’’ As we all know with our small towns, they are suffering in many ways, covid hasn’t helped... so if we can get something that will start to draw a considerable amount of tourists...the whole district will benefit.’’
Te Aroha Councillor Caitlin Casey was in favour of the project which was given the thumbs up in May last year as part of council’s 2021-2031 long term plan.
She said it would support council’s motive to turn the area into a thriving and vibrant district.
‘‘The Te Aroha Spa development is a key player to our district, our unique soda spring thermal waters are world-class.
‘‘Ultimately it will be what the people of our district choose. It is our role as local councillors to stay connected to the voice of our local people first and foremost,’’ Casey said.
Although it was still early days before finalised plans for the mineral spa were confirmed, council said they were focused on exploring the available options before further public consultation was considered.
The proposed concept designs and costings for the new day spa are expected to be presented to council in late 2022.