Growth

Land designated for industrial, commercial growth

1 June 2021

Waipā District Council has designated 201 hectares of industrial land for future development to keep up with projected population growth and demand.

Council’s district growth and regulatory group manager Wayne Allan said there was a steady flow of enquiries for new commercial and industrial land in Waipā. The district was ready and able to respond positively, he said.

“Through the Waipā 2050 Growth Strategy, we have provision for 201 hectares of industrial zoning, located in Hautapu and Te Awamutu. We anticipate these new industrial areas will be quickly snapped up by developers when they are made available for purchase.”

Council has been investing heavily in three waters infrastructure (water, wastewater and stormwater) to and from the newest industrial areas in Hautapu, known as C8, C9 and C10. Transportation projects include the recently completed first stage of the walkway/cycleway to Hannon Road. New roundabouts and road upgrades are planned for the near future.

Although earmarked for development in 2035, the C10 growth cell has already seen some early development take place with the new APL building. The rest of the growth cell is expected to be developed after 2035.

“Ensuring we have great industrial areas and a commercial overlay in our new developments provides economic and employment opportunities for residents to the area. Ideally we would love to see these new residents not only live, but work and play in the district as well,” Allan said.

The responsibility to provide the main three waters infrastructure and local roads for new developments sits with the Council, which wants growth cells to be developed in a staged way.

“By taking a prudent, staged approach to development we’re making sure land developers pay their fair share, reducing the burden for expensive infrastructure on ratepayers.”

Once water and transportation infrastructure is in place, developments are able to proceed. Developers are then responsible for developing the land and infrastructure within in based on the relevant structure plan.

Waipā has seen a massive population boom over recent years, with the highest population projections looking to reach nearly 92,000 residents by 2061.

More information about growth in Waipā is available at https://www.waipadc.govt.nz/your-waipa/majorprojects/growth.