First traffic lights for Te Awamutu as big retail development approved

A private plan change that will bring Te Awamutu's first traffic lights and an expanded Mitre 10 store to Cambridge Road has been approved.

Plan Change 35 was lodged by 638 Ltd, the owner and operator of the existing Mitre 10 Te Awamutu. It rezones land at 638 Cambridge Road – right next to Pak’nSave – from residential to commercial.

The rezoning will enable development of a new 13,000 square metre Mitre 10 and café on the adjacent site. It also enables the existing building to be transformed into a new retail destination for the town.

As part of the agreed requirements for the plan change, the developer will fund upgrades to the centre's existing western access to Cambridge Road with traffic lights - the first in Te Awamutu. They will also provide a shared walking and cycling pathway, improved pedestrian facilities, a pedestrian crossing on Cambridge Road, and a dedicated left-turn lane for westbound traffic. A new wetland area with native planting will manage stormwater from the site.

The plan change was heard by an independent commissioner earlier in August, with five submissions received. The approval decision is being made public today, August 27.

Growth, strategy and planning director Katie Mayes said the outcome was good for Te Awamutu.

"It’s a great example of how the community and interested parties can have the opportunity to have their say and work together under the RMA process. The result reflects that.

“The site is well-located for this type of development and the plan change ensures the right infrastructure is in place to support it - including the transport improvements on Cambridge Road and the addition of walking and cycling connections and a wetland."

The appeal period closes on October 8. If no appeals are lodged with the Environment Court, Council will formally notify when PC35 becomes operative.

Further information on PC35 is available at waipadc.govt.nz/planchange35