Backing projects that improve the look and feel of an area is important to Rodney communities and Rodney Local Board, which has recently approved design concepts and funding to beautify a public space in Warkworth and improve a main street in Helensville.
Creating public spaces where people want to go and spend time is important and board Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee Chair Cameron Brewer says community involvement is crucial throughout a project.
“People who live here have a feel for what suits their community, what works and what needs to be done.
"It takes time, but involving a community in the process means they influence change where they live. Of course, the best people to lead local projects are locals themselves.”
In Warkworth, plans are in place to develop the space between Warkworth Library and the Masonic Hall to improve access to Mahurangi River and to the area behind the hall.
Community sessions held over several years have led to a design that provides a pleasant outdoor space for library and public transport users, an enticing gateway to the river and creates more seating, shade and planting near the main street.
The new community space will be known as Te Huihuinga Kōwhai which means the meeting or gathering space and refers to the tree species which is part of the design.
While in Helensville, the plan is to upgrade the streetscape on Commercial Road and Creek Lane by planting trees, providing more seating and shaded areas, better town centre signage, improving the gateway to the town centre and the Kaipara River.
Delivering this project in two stages will enable stage one to focus on the retail area of Commercial Road and, coming later, stage two that will focus on Creek Lane, the RSA memorial shelter and the rest of the tree planting.
Funding of $300,000 has been allocated to the Warkworth project and $350,000 to stage one of the Helensville project with stage two yet to be costed.
Another key project nearing completion is the Huapai Hub which is transforming an old car park between Kumeū Library and Kumeū Arts Centre into a public space at the heart of the community.
Details of these projects can be found in the Rodney Town Centre revitalisation reports on the council website.
