The Environment Court has upheld Waipa District Council’s decision to rezone the site at 670 Cambridge Road, Te Awamutu, to ‘general’.
This decision will allow the establishment of a Pak’n’Save supermarket, multiple retail stores, timber and building supplies centre, service station, café and restaurant at the site. Over 600 carparks are also proposed in the development.
Bilimag Holdings Limited made the private plan change application for the land to be rezoned to “General” subject to specific controls on the type, size and location of the development, and it was approved by Council in December 2006. A number of appeals were lodged, and were heard by the Environment Court, which has subsequently issued its decision supporting the plan change proposal.
Waipa District Mayor Alan Livingston says this is a very significant decision for Te Awamutu residents and the surrounding communities.
“This development will have many positive effects, including additional employment, allowing local dollars to be spent in local shops, and improving the overall appearance of the site and surrounding area as it includes the upgrade of the Cambridge Road-State Highway 3 roundabout”
However, Mr Livingston says the plan change is not about creating another town centre.
“Significant controls will be imposed on the size and number of retail shops at the site. It is a stand alone development that needed a large site that was not available in the Te Awamutu CBD. We are pleased that the Environment Court agreed with Council’s original decision”.
Waipa District Council will continue working with the existing retail community on the “Heart of Te Awamutu” project involving the long term upgrade of the existing Central Business District.
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