Te Awa Lakes info session planned

The first cyclists and walkers on the Perry Bridge after it was opened on Thursday at Horotiu. The bridge will offer a connection between the future Te Awa Lakes development site and the Te Awa Cycleway. Photo / Tom Rowland

The Perry Group will hold a public information session on-site at its proposed Te Awa Lakes development location, as the company moves through two separate consent processes seeking permission to begin construction.

The Perry Group recently announced its billion-dollar five-year plan to create a residential and tourism gateway to the Waikato at the 62ha site in Horotiu.

In September, the company submitted a Private Plan Change to Hamilton City Council for the required rezoning to allow it to develop its former sand quarry. The rezoning request is now open for public comment before a final decision is made by council.

"We've had a fantastic positive response from the wider community, neighbours and local businesses that are keen to be involved. To keep everyone as informed as possible we will welcome the public to the site to talk through our plans in more detail," said development director Lale Ieremia.

He confirmed the company has also had two applications under the new Special Housing Area policy accepted by the council for public review. The applications cover one area within Te Awa Lakes designated for 1000 homes and another for 100 homes.

We've had a fantastic positive response from the wider community, neighbours and local businesses that are keen to be involved.

Lale Ieremia, Perry Group

The council will decide whether to refer these proposals to central Government for review following the three-week public submission period.

"We would love to get started as soon as possible, ideally within the upcoming earthworks season over summer, which is why we are running parallel consent processes,"said Mr Ieremia.

"Our very clear vision is to create a mixed-use, integrated community. The residential component is a cornerstone of the plan, so we are hopeful that between the two processes we can find a way to get started," he said.

Meanwhile, the Brian Perry Charitable Trust hosted the opening of the Perry Bridge at Horotiu on Thursday as part of an extension of the popular scenic Te Awa Cycleway. The bridge paves the way for an integrated connection between the future Te Awa Lakes development site and the river path.

"Te Awa Lakes is built around the idea that a true community needs spaces for people to live, work and play. The River Ride is a critical part of the connection to our river that will really help this project come alive," said Mr Ieremia.

The Te Awa Lakes on-site information afternoon will take place on November 19 from 3.30pm to 5pm at the Coffee Club, Te Rapa Service Centre, Horotiu. Registration for the event is online at teawalakes.co.nz