$20 million Government injection for CBD transformation

Darren Petry from Taupō District Council

Taupō’s Central Business District is set to be transformed following today’s announcement that Taupō District Council has been granted $20 million from the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group.

The transformation of the Taupō Town Centre was one of 16 projects the council applied for funding for as part of the Crown Infrastructure Partners call for ‘shovel ready’ projects.

Mayor David Trewavas said the announcement was fantastic news for the district as it would provide the equivalent of 92 full time jobs, and an economic boost, as it gave effect to the implementation of the council’s Commercial Industrial Structure Plan.

“The plan was developed in 2011 but essentially it has sat in the bottom draw due to a lack of funding. Today’s announcement means we can finally give effect to connecting the CBD to the lake, Tongariro Domain and the boat harbour, so it really will be a game changer,” he said.

“This funding is the result of a lot of hard work put in by the team, and associated lobbying, to ensure our district was at the forefront of people’s minds in Wellington and those involved should be congratulated.”

Chief executive Gareth Green said the multi-year CBD project would mean a reorientation of the street network to shift local through-traffic from Lake Terrace and Tongariro St to Titiraupenga St and Spa Rd. “This will require upgrades along Spa Rd, Paora Hapi St, and Titiraupenga St including five intersections and associated works to allow for the flow of traffic while encouraging pedestrian and cyclists to access the town centre.

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