New Plymouth ponders first-ever public-private partnership for inner-city revamp
An artist's impression of a public walkway and footbridge across the Huatoki.
Photo:
Supplied / New Plymouth District Council
New Plymouth District Council will consider entering its first-ever public-private partnership to demolish and redevelop an inner-city mall, and open up the Huatoki River.
The proposal includes removing the Metro Plaza, which council purchased in 2019 for eventual demolition, and the creation of a public walkway and footbridge across the Huatoki, connecting Devon and Brougham streets, alongside new developments by KD Holdings (KDH) on both sides of the awa.
Chief executive Gareth Green said the proposed deal with KDH was a first of its kind for council.
"To my knowledge, this council and, in fact, very few councils in the country have entered into partnerships like this, so to be a completely masterplanned development from 'whoa to go' is pretty unique and unusual, and brings benefits to the public and the developer.
"Council is going to save a considerable amount of money co-ordinating our works, which have been long planned with the developers works. The decommissioning of the buildings on his site means we get easier access to our site and we can get more bang for buck for the work that we are doing."
Green said the project would link the coast to New Plymouth's rivers and was a key part of council's city centre strategy vision for a greener, family-friendly CBD, where people wanted to shop, stop and enjoy themselves.
An artist's impression of a public walkway and footbridge across the Huatoki.
Photo:
Supplied / New Plymouth District Council
"As well as hosting new retail, hospitality and office space, the development would feature native trees and plants that are part of our coastal heritage, and will bring back birdsong to the city centre.
"It would also 'day-light' a really significant awa for our community, so at the moment, the Huatoki goes under a whole lot of buildings, and we get to open that up to the sun again and allow people to use that waterway."
Green said, like city centres around the world, Ngāmotu New Plymouth was adapting to changes in the way people worked, travelled and shopped.
"Partnering with KDH, which would own the developments on either side of the Huatoki, and Ngāti te Whiti hapū in our first-ever public-private partnership would create a sustainable city centre, while supporting businesses.
"By partnering and moving quickly, we can reduce duplication, streamline construction, and ultimately deliver savings for our ratepayers."
KDH owner Kevin Doody said the proposal would enhance both the buildings in the area and the Huatoki, creating an environment where people would want to work and visit.
"We're creating a destination around a new commercial area, where business can thrive in the heart of our city, working with NPDC and Ngāti te Whiti to restore the Huatoki to its rightful place of pride, so it can be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations," said Doody.
Ngāti Te Whiti Hapū spokesperson Julie Healey said the design concepts through the development would reflect Ngāti Te Whiti Hapū values, as supported in the city centre strategy.
"We have been working alongside our partners for some time to achieve the outcomes that will provide places for people to meet and bring the presence of the Huatoki back into the city for the community to enjoy, as well as providing an understanding of the historical and cultural heritage."
The proposal will be discussed in council on 24 June.
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