Ruakaka town a step closer

The Marsden Pt/Ruakaka Structure Plan has been adopted by the Whangarei District Council. Photo / NZ Herald

Oliver Scott, developer of the Northgate Business Park, says he is thrilled that the Whangarei District Council has adopted the Marsden Pt/Ruakaka Structure Plan which envisages a planned new future township arising at Ruakaka.

"This is a huge step forward for the Marsden Pt/Ruakaka district. We now have a guiding document with which we can work with the council to sensibly master plan the balanced growth of this very popular area," Scott says

The structure plan sets out the guiding principles for future development in the area that is identified as leading the district's growth over the next 30 to 50 years.

A council press release says the plan will ensure "responsible and sustainable development in the Bream Bay area".

Structure plans are one tier below the district plan in designating land use but provide non-statutory principles against which development of the area is tested.

The Marsden Pt/Ruakaka area is home to Northland's port and the country's sole oil refinery. The council says the area is ideal not only for industrial investment, but also for residential development, "both high-end and affordable".

Peter Jennings, real estate agent for Northgate and Port Marsden Business Park, two of the largest developments nearing completion in the area, says the new structure plan indicates that future plans for the developments at Ruakaka will be shown as "primary centre" or mixed use.

"Although the current zoning is B4 for heavy industrial usage, with careful planning and consultation by the council, developers and the community, this structure plan opens the door for the creation of a very balanced modern coastal township that has the deepest port in New Zealand, along with some of the nation's most beautiful beaches.

"Planning for a future township at Ruakaka is already under way," Jennings says. "The developers will now be consulting with the investor/land owners and the council as to the direction and suggested layout that best enhances the land use for a carefully planned and sustainable community development."