Ōpōtiki town centre revitalisation project update.
We want the Ōpōtiki town centre to be a vibrant area that reflects the past, present and future communities.
History
At the Council meeting on 23 July 2019, Council agreed to start the revitalisation of the Ōpōtiki town centre.
Consultation began in August and ended in November 2019. Community consultation had taken place in many forms such as Facebook, information sessions, community group meetings and events and Council thanks all those who took the time to engage with us. From that consultation, the community identified key themes that are unique to the character of the Ōpōtiki town centre. The themes then helped formulate the structure plan and guideline principles.
The Structure Plan will guide future decision-making regarding the revitalisation of the town centre. This will provide certainty to business owners; the wider community, and stakeholders about what development is likely to happen and when it will happen. It will also help Council; businesses and landowners to prioritise spending on activities within the town centre.
Next steps
The structure plan was put forward to Council and adopted on the 30 June 2020. Council endorsed the recommendations set out in the Ōpōtiki Town Centre Structure Plan ("Next Steps") as follows:
- Development of a masterplan. (This will be completed by the end of the year).
- Spruce it Up: Council and building owners work together to smarten up the town centre. This could include activities such as painting building facades; repairing verandahs; decluttering signage and replacing flags. (New flags have been ordered and we expect them to be in place by September)
- Heritage and Taonga: Council work with stakeholders to develop a heritage and taonga trail into, and around, the town centre. (A group of students from Ōpōtiki College will provide assistance by developing a website and information boards)
- Connecting land and sea: Council work with stakeholders to develop a walkway/cycleway between the town centre and wharf. (Work will start on the cycle trail connection between the town and wharf by the end of August.)
For further information please see the Ōpōtiki Town Centre Structure Plan Summary (PDF, 5MB)
