Scaled-back Hole in One plan gets green light
A partial review of the Tapuaeharuru Bay Reserve Management Plan, relating to the Hole in One golf operation on the Taupo¯ lakefront, has been completed by Taupo¯ District Council reserves and roading committee.
Yesterday, the committee approved changes to the plan that will enable Taupo¯ Moana Group Holdings (TMGH) to further develop its Lake Terrace operation.
TMGH is the commercial subsidiary of the Tu¯wharetoa Ma¯ori Trust Board and had initially proposed a two-stage redevelopment of the operation.
The committee’s approved changes now permit the following additional activities at the site:
■ A lightweight open-sided roof structure over the tees to provide for all-weather use.
■ A minimal kiosk/ticket office for sales associated with the golf activity and non-alcoholic refreshments but without an indoor dining area.
■ A small public toilet as part of the kiosk.
■ Construction of an open viewing area to enable spectators and customers to safely wait without affecting passing cycle and pedestrian traffic.
■ Stabilisation the bank and foreshore.
Other minor technical amendments to the reserve plan were also approved at the meeting along with small unrelated changes, and the council signalled it would seek to enter into a 15-year concession to TMGH for the site.
Council general manager policy and strategy John Ridd says the council sought community feedback during February and March.
In total, 178 submissions were received and 10 of the submitters asked to be heard at a committee meeting in April.
“Council has been very keen to hear the community’s views on this matter,” he says.
After taking the community’s views into account, TMGH has scaled-down stage one of its proposal and took stage two off the table.
The latter involved developing the entire site into a multifunctional facility that would potentially include an events space and educational centre that could be used by the wider community, a visitor centre and accessible waterfront.
TMGH will now be able to progress the proposed development into the resource consent process, Ridd says.