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28 January

Media Release

Have a say on the future of central Richmond

Richmond’s town centre is changing, with three projects in progress that will alter the shape of Queen Street and direct future residential and commercial development.

The Tasman District Council is consulting on all three projects in February and is keen to hear what people think of the proposals.

The reinstatement of Queen Street is part of a major stormwater upgrade for central Richmond. New water, wastewater and stormwater pipes will be laid beneath the street, and the centre of the street will be lowered to direct floodwaters away from properties during heavy rain in future.

Richmond Ward Councillor Judene Edgar explained the surface of Queen Street would need to be reinstated from shop front to shop front.

“This gives us the opportunity to improve the design of the street at the same time. We’re considering making the road narrower, footpath wider and having a continuous surface with no dropped kerb – similar to Upper Trafalgar Street. This would slow traffic and create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.”

Cr Edgar said construction was scheduled to begin in August 2016.

The Council is also reviewing the planning rules for buildings in Richmond’s central business zone to ensure a high standard of development as older buildings are gradually replaced. The review will include building heights, design, frontage, living and signage.

Finally, the Council is looking into providing for medium-density housing within walking distance of Richmond town centre. Changes to planning rules are proposed to provide a greater range of housing choice and affordability, and make more efficient use of infrastructure and services by concentrating growth rather than allowing it to spread.

“There are three significant pieces of work going on that will guide the future of central Richmond. It’s really important people let us know how they want their town centre to develop in years to come,” Cr Edgar said.

The Council is seeking feedback on all three projects until 29 February. There will be two open days for people to find out more and talk to Council staff. These run from 9am – 6pm, at the Richmond Mall on Friday, 12 February, and Richmond Library on Monday, 15 February.

More information can be found at www.tasman.govt.nz/link/central-richmond.

ENDS

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