Image WDC
An extraordinary meeting of the Waikato District Council is being held today, 29th January to consider plans for redevelopment of Raglan Wharf. The meeting is being held at Ngaruawahia in the Council Chambers, commencing at 9.30am.
The agenda for the meeting proposes that the Council asks the provincial growth fund for funding for these items-
- Extra berths utilising floating pontoons near the current dolphin pier (design to be developed in detail with wharf stakeholder group to accommodate all user groups) to improve access and increase capacity for additional commercial, recreational and charter boats utilising the wharf.
- Structural improvements (piles and other remedial work under the wharf) to futureproof the wharf, protecting access for the businesses, user groups, and the wider community that use the wharf.
- Safety and access improvements, including a walkway connecting the current Wallis St walkway to the west side of the wharf, a small walkway extension along east side of wharf near boat ramp to allow more outdoor space to be used by retail and hospitality businesses as well as improving accessibility, replacement of older timber balustrades where necessary, and installation of bollards to replace current gate on the west access way.
- Community-led strategic planning for Whaingaroa Harbour infrastructure – work to explore opportunities for future connections with other jetties in the harbour, improving connectivity between the town and surrounding communities. This work would be led by the Raglan Community Board and Raglan Naturally, in conjunction with local hapuu and the Raglan Wharf stakeholder group, and with extensive consultation with the wider community in the Raglan Ward and Onewhero – Te Akau Ward. As part of the Council’s co-funding requirement, work will be undertaken to explore parking and access improvements along Wallis Street and Aro Aro Park, in consultation with the members of the Raglan Wharf stakeholder group, local hapuu and the Raglan Community Board. Even though these works are currently unbudgeted, there is an opportunity for current wharf funding to be reallocated for this purpose, if PGF funding was granted.Indicative costings of these works are being prepared for the PGF application. It is proposed that the application request $2.5 million towards the Raglan Wharf.
Wouldn’t a two lane bridge over to Raglan West be a better use of the funding. To remove the dog area would impact on dog owners who live in this town. Raglan doesn’t need to be putting financial contribution for the few retailers who are now at the wharf. Parking is a nightmare already so why place facilities on top of this. Maybe this should have been discussed prior to the elections.
totally agree Diane, a two lane bridge is needed more than ever now with the rangitahi development adding to local traffic issues. And yes the wharf will never be any good with existing access and parking issues.