Council to work closely with retailers on Heuheu Street upgrade

The contract for the Heuheu Street upgrade project has been awarded to Fulton Hogan, with works scheduled to begin 23 April. Council plans to continue its collaborative approach to the project throughout the construction phase, working closely with local businesses.

Taupō District Council approved the tender at the Council meeting on Tuesday 27 March, for $766,380. Funding for the works was allocated in Council’s Annual Plan (2011-2012) and previous Long Term Plan (2012-2013).

Consultation with business owners and operators located on Heuheu Street was carried out as part of the design and development process. Late last year Council staff held a series of stakeholder meetings with business owners and invited them to give their input into the plan. Taupō District Council plan to continue to work closely with local retailers throughout all stages of the construction process to further foster the collaboration achieved so far.

Council Project Manager, Andrew Boden, will be based in an office on Heuheu Street throughout the construction phase and plans to host weekly updates with retailers and the contractor. To mitigate noise and show concern for the local community, demolition works will be carried out after 5pm each day. The works are expected to be completed in September.

Mayor Rick Cooper endorsed the careful approach to be taken by Council and Fulton Hogan for the redevelopment. “It is important to have vibrant and inviting places for the community to gather and meet, but we need to ensure the feelings and opinions of those who work on the Street are considered first.”

The works will include new footpaths and kerb and channel created with the raised pedestrian crossings in the road carriageway. One of the crossings will be wider than the others to form a ‘Central Square’ that can be used by the retailers and other groups for entertainment and other community purposes. New trees will be planted along the street together with new hard and soft landscaping including a drinking fountain, seating and a bike rack.