Big upgrade and refresh earns Tūrangi smiles
| Published date | 04 November 2021 |
| Publication title | Taupo Weekender |
Turangi-Tongariro Community Board chairman Clint Green, who gave a brief project update at a Tūrangi public meeting in July said stage one of the project in Rangipoia Place had been very positively received by its residents.
“It’s certainly produced a nice upgraded modern look to the streets.
“It’s very much revitalising and it’s creating local jobs.”
Contractors have almost completed stage two which is Harata and Hingaia Sts and Tureiti Place and stage three, Pihanga Rd. They are about to start work on stage four in Mawake Place. The fifth and final stage is Te Rangitautahanga Rd.
Green said the huge trees in Rangipoia Pl had been replaced by kōwhai trees which were a good size and more appropriate.
He hoped the $6.6m would last until the end of the project. He said at the rate the contractors were working, the work may be finished by early next year, although two years had been set aside.
Turangi Recreation Activity Centre
The Taupo District Council has allocated $15.9 million to this big-ticket project after all councillors agreed the town needed to move forward with a new centre to replace the ageing town gymnasium which is too small and restricted in its use.
Cr John Mack said at present all that was known was that the money would be available and in year one, which was now, there was $250,000 set aside to come up with a concept.
The balance of the money will be spread over the following three years and he hoped building could begin in the 2022/23 financial year.
“In a year’s time we’d hope to have the concept up and ready but you have to go to the public first ... the wish list is going to be massive and we’re going to consult with the community first.”
He said the centre would be for all the community and may even incorporate the town gym, the council service centre and the senior citizens’ hall, but the wants and needs would emerge through consultation. Once a project structure had been developed the community would have the opportunity to express their views.
Mack said a venue that could be used for different purposes would be preferable and other towns had activity centres with, for example, moveable walls to allow for flexible spaces.
He said the steering group would look at innovative recreation centres in Bulls and Christchurch to see what was possible.
“This is a reality, we are starting...
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