Lake Tce area high on the list for upgrade
Hole in One challenge request scaled back
Development of Lake Tce between Ruapehu St and Titiraupenga St is the “next logical area” to look at once the Town Centre Transformation Project is complete says a Taupō District Council manager.
Detailed discussions and planning for the area were not on the council’s radar yet but the issue was discussed as part of a request for a longer, 30-year lease by Taupō Moana Group Holdings for its Hole in One Golf Challenge.
In May, TMGH was granted a scaled back version of its original plans for developing the challenge, which sits on council-owned land.
At the time, the council’s Reserves and Roading Committee approved changes to the Tapuaeharuru Bay Reserve Management Plan to allow for a ticket office, small public toilet, a viewing platform and a lightweight, open sided structure over the tees to allow for all-weather activity.
It also approved a 15-year lease which went to a meeting of the full council on August 30.
At the meeting TMGH chief executive Rakei Taiaroa told councillors the proposed development would cost about $1 million but they were concerned about the prospect of having to pull it all down after 15 years.
“We want to make this an iconic
development, not only one that Tū wharetoa is proud of but also the town is proud of.”
Council policy manager Nick Carroll said the 15-year lease was seen as a way of providing both parties with some certainty.
“We are obviously doing some major changes in the town centre and the next logical area to look at change would be between Ruapehu St and Titiraupenga St, where the Hole in One operation is.”
The council voted to keep the 15-year lease but make allowance within the reserve management plan for a 10-year extension, followed by a five-year extension, which would need to be approved by the council of the day.