Next moves outlined to open Te Awamutu hub

More work will be done to create a connecting space between Selwyn Park and Market Street, as part of Te Awamutu’s ‘hub’ development. Additional research into the land and services in the area has been agreed to this week.

The 90 Mahoe Street property development requires more investigation work following consideration of two alternative proposals for this key piece of land.

An initial investigation into the development began in August following a request from the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board and Te Awamutu Business Chamber. The organisations have since completed a feasibility study to retain a building on the property. At this week's Finance and Corporate committee meeting, their proposal was costed at $150,000 more than the initial estimate. The proposal now sits at $550,000.

Deputy chief executive Ken Morris said the property, purchased in 2016, is a strategically important space in the Te Awamutu CBD.

“While we all want to make this area a vibrant and activated space, we need to make sure we’re investing ratepayer resource wisely and not compromising the wider opportunities that this property provides.”

Staff brought an alternative proposal to the table to level the building and seal the land to be an open laneway, and the first step in achieving the concept plans developed by external consultants Beca on Council’s behalf.

“The Board and Chamber have the same objectives as us to develop this space. But we need to investigate this project’s potential in more detail.”

“We’re happy to work with the Board and Chamber over the next few months as we investigate this further,” Morris said.