Kihikihi upgrade underway
22 January 2013
Work has begun on the $1 million upgrade of Kihikihi's main street.
Contractors Civil Construction Services have been awarded the contract for the revitalisation of the retail area of Lyon Street and started the first phase of the work on Monday.
The work will include 2000 square metres of footpath paving, 650 metres of kerb and channel, 500 metres of new stormwater lines, catchpits and manholes, and new street furniture including seats, bins, bollards and a bus shelter.
New landscape planting and street lighting will also feature.
Waipa District Council service delivery group manager Barry Bergin said the design was a result of a partnership between the council and the community and a mutual desire to create a memorable and inviting sense of arrival to Kihikihi.
We want to emphasise the transition to the retail heart of the village and provide greater landscaping in the main street so that it becomes an inviting place to stop, he said.
We also want to retain and enhance the existing views and vistas.
Gateways into Kihikihi would carry themes that reflected the natural heritage of the area, including the use of the cicada wing image, reflecting the translation of Kihikihi to cicada.
A stylised cicada wing will be used on street furniture and signage to reinforce the character of the village and natural clay pavers will be used in the main commercial area from the Memorial Hall to Whitmore Street.
Mr Bergin said the upgrade plan also included possible future stages that could be completed as funding became available.
This could include formation of parking areas behind the Town Hall, the upgrade of William Street into a cul-de-sac with a picnic area at the end, and the construction of a path from the parking areas behind the town hall to the historic precinct, he said.
Anyone wanting more information on the upgrade plans should visit the council's website www.waipadc.govt.nz.
ENDS
For further information contact
Lisa Nairne
Senior Communications Advisor
Ph: 07 872 0062 or 027 532 1760
Email: lisa.nairne@waipadc.govt.nz
