Hamilton's leaders are eyeing up the city as the country's third largest and a new plan outlines goals to get the city to that status.
The launch of Hamilton City Council's Hamilton Plan, 'the blueprint for the next decade', sets the goal of becoming the third major centre in New Zealand, confirms Hamilton Gardens as the world's premier garden and seeks to establish the region as the nation's capital for high performance sport.
There are another eight goals to follow.
Council created the plan to help guide development of a stronger economy and make the city more attractive for families given Hamilton's fast growing population - it's forecast to reach 174,000 over the next decade. Hamilton currently provides services to 250,000 people in the greater Waikato.
The plan's priorities centre on building on the lifestyle and economy Hamilton already has, to maximise all the opportunities. While the plan does not include all the detail, as there are other plans and policies in place which already support the 10 priorities, if achieved it would see an enhanced economy and act as a drawcard for tourists and the country's top athletes.
Mayor Julie Hardaker said the council is focused on maintaining housing affordability and choice, with QV figures showing the average house price sits at $373,661 for March this year.
The Hamilton Plan was adopted by council as the new Community Outcomes Within the 10-Year Plan.
The 10-Year Plan outlines the council's priorities, plans and budget for Hamilton over the next decade, with a specific focus on the next three years.
With significant growth expected for the city, it puts increasing demands on existing infrastructure such as roads, water networks and sewerage and community facilities such as pools, playgrounds and parks.
Council's existing assets are worth $3.2 billion. The plan suggest that while growth is challenging, it also presents significant opportunities for Hamilton and the city's future stimulating economic activity, generating employment, spreading the cost of vital public services across more people and ensuring sustainable services such as schools, public transport and health care.
A growing city is more appealing to private investors willing to invest in projects and initiatives that the council cannot afford to do on its own.
For more about the plan visit www.hamilton.govt.nz/our-council/hamilton-plan/Pages/default.aspx.