Council approves Hamilton Urban Growth Strategy

The four growth propositions outlined in the proposed Hamilton Urban Growth Strategy (HUGs) were adopted at a full Council meeting today.

The Hamilton Urban Growth Strategy is one of the eight city strategies that make up Council’s Strategic Framework. It represents the culmination of the Enquiry by Design (EbD) workshop process undertaken in March 2008 and subsequent detailed work undertaken which formed the basis for the preferred growth position taken by Council at its meeting on 26th September 2008.

Each of the four propositions were considered and voted on independently at today’s meeting at the request of Councillors. Proposition 2 (the commitment to the remainder of Rototuna and Stage 1 Rotokauri and Peacocke) and Proposition 4 (the development of a high technology precinct in Ruakura) were voted unanimously in favour. Proposition 1 (the regeneration of key nodes) was voted 10 for and 2 against. Proposition 3 (the prioritisation of residential development of the Peacocke area) was voted 9 in favour and 3 against.

Public feedback on the proposed Growth Strategy was sought using Special Consultative Procedure. Consultation included a series of four public meetings as well as on-line information.

Submissions were open 16 October – 17 November 2008. A total of 84 submissions were received and one day of formal hearings was held. The majority of submissions indicated support for each of the four growth propositions.

A significant theme that emerged from the consultation was around the notion of urban intensification.

Hamilton mayor Bob Simcock said that the planned review of the District Plan to commence in 2009 will address issues of intensification and where, when and how that can occur.

“Everyone acknowledges that intensification has already occurred and most are horrified in how it has evolved. The community subsequently has good reason to be concerned about how we deliver more compact living environments and manage how these are appropriately integrated into existing communities. The District Plan review will grapple with issues of balance and choice. Meanwhile it is the Urban Design Panel, Vista and Variation 13 to the existing District Plan that provides bridging guidance for more immediate developments.”

While the Strategy refers to indicative timing, in particular, residential development beyond 2023 and the development of Ruakura from around 2016, the impact of the current financial climate and slowing residential development suggests that these indicative dates are likely to be adjusted accordingly.

Any implementation required in the LTCCP period (2009-19) resulting from the adoption of HUGS will be included in the Draft LTCCP budget and programme and will be circulated to Council in mid-January 2009 for consideration by Council.