Community representatives working with Council on plans for Mahara Place improvements

Over the past few months, representatives from Waikanae town centre businesses and the community have been working closely with the Kāpiti Coast District Council to further develop designs for upcoming Mahara Place improvements.

Group Manager Infrastructure Services Sean Mallon says this approach is helping Council make sure the designs developed in 2014 and 2016 are fit-for-purpose and continue to meet the needs of this growing community.

“We last consulted with the community on Mahara Place improvements in 2014 and 2016. Since then, things have changed. The plans and timelines for the upgrades of the Mahara Gallery and Waikanae Library have been adjusted; the community has grown; and the amount of money available for Council-funded improvements to Mahara Place has reduced through the Long Term Plan process.”

“In light of these changes, we’re revisiting our plans for Mahara Place to make sure our approach is fit-for-purpose, can be delivered within the available funding, and will meet the community’s needs.”

The Mahara Place Development Committee (MPDC) has been established to help the Council further develop designs for the planned Mahara Place improvements. The Committee’s made up of representatives from Waikanae businesses and the community. The Committee met in July and August to review high-level concepts for the improvements and has been asked to provide further feedback to help shape detailed designs for Mahara Place. At this stage, the Council expects construction work to start in early 2019.

Sue Lusk from Destination Waikanae is one of the community representatives on the Committee. “Graeme (Coast Access Radio), Andy (Waikanae Butchers) and I are so optimistic about the Mahara Place designs we’ve been working on with the Council team. They’ve listened to the comments we’ve gathered from Waikanae residents over the last four years and they’ve come up with ideas that are vibrant and full of life and colour. We can't wait to see the final drawings!”

The planned upgrade to Mahara Place is part of the Council’s 14-year town centre improvements programme. For more information about the vision for the Waikanae town centre, and other related projects happening in the area, visit www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/waikanae-town-centre