Long Term Plan 2021-2031 CONSULTATION TOPIC 3
Growing Our District
Kawerau has always been a great place to live, raise a family and enjoy retirement.
The district’s population continues to rise and Statistics New Zealand (medium) projections indicate a population of 8,000 by 2028.
The drivers for this growth include people returning home to Kawerau during the COVID-19 pandemic; new jobs being created by the region’s economic development; and that the Kawerau housing market still offers affordable housing compared to other regions.
We need to ensure there is enough housing for our community in the future. Council has considered areas for future development and believes Stoneham Park (the old Soccer Club grounds) is the most suitable option.
Council listened to concerns raised and what people wish to retain and enhance during the earlier round of consultation in 2019.
We have sought advice from experienced landscape architects to come up with a variety of solutions to ensure that any future development of Stoneham Park (the old Soccer Club grounds) could:
- Provide additional housing for the district.
- Enhance and provide green space for recreational activities.
- Offer a range of housing options, such as inter-generational.
- Offer a variety of section sizes and homes across different price ranges, and
- Enhance the visual appeal and value of neighbouring properties.
- Provide more rateable properties and additional rates for the district.
What do you think?
These concepts are only a stepping stone to show what could be possible with some good planning. These models work on using 60% of Stoneham Park for low and medium density housing, leaving 40% for enhanced recreational use areas.
If the community supports the development, Council will continue consulting with Iwi, neighbours and stakeholders as we work through the next stages of reclassifying this land.
