Locals Keen to See Taumarunui Revitalisation

Taumarunui is set for a major makeover with Ruapehu District Council (RDC) moving forward on a number of projects while starting off the process for the development of the town centre.

RDC Chief Executive Clive Manley said that the recent consultation for the Annual Plan had many Taumarunui residents calling for greater action on revitalising the township.

“We got strong feedback that Taumarunui locals wanted to see leadership from Council, the Ward Committee and Enterprising Taumarunui Inc. for getting development underway,” he said.

“In response Council has accelerated a number of projects including the Northern Entrance Project, the accessible walkway portion of the Ongarue/Whanganui Riverside Walkway Project and development at Cherry Grove Reserve.”

“Council is also seeking Registrations of Interest (ROI) from organisations interested in providing concept plans for the development of central Taumarunui being the area on Hakiaha St (SH4) currently occupied by the old library building (which is to be removed) through to the car park by the town train clock, as well as the space at the top of Manuaute St occupied by the small garden and community notice board.”

“Although no decisions have been made on final designs we have provided some direction as a starting point based on positive feedback received to some preliminary ideas put to the community by the Taumarunui Revitalisation Taskforce.”

“In the old library, public toilet, train clock space we have suggested an amazing playground and amenity area including a new public toilet, bike park space and other attractions that will give travelers a compelling reason to stop.”

“Opposite at the top of the one-way street we have suggested the development of a small park area including comfortable seating.”

“Despite this ‘high level’ direction Council has stressed that the ROI applicants should feel free to challenge this thinking on what is possible with these spaces and consider how they could be cornerstone projects as part of a wider, coherent redevelopment of central Taumarunui.”

“The train clock and community notice board which were both community projects will be retained in any new plans.”

Mr. Manley said that the key to successful township development is a coordinated multi-agency and community approach.

“Community groups, local businesses, individuals along with other agencies such as Horizons and the Department of Conservation all have an important role to play if we are to give Taumarunui the major makeover it needs.”

“With the geography of the two rivers, history and culture Taumarunui has amazing potential to revitalise itself.”

“As the plans are developed Council will be calling on everyone to assist in any way they can to help turn Taumarunui into a good looking, vibrant rural town.”

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