Residents asked to help shape 'Omokoroa of the future'

Omokoroa is currently home to about 3000 people and is expected to welcome 9000 more over the next 40 years. Photo/Supplied.

Omokoroa is expected to welcome 9000 more residents over the next 40 years, and locals are being asked to help shape how the peninsula will look in the future.

The area is home to about 3000 people but will develop to house 12,000; the council said today.

It wanted to know how locals and those living in outlying areas thought the undeveloped land between the rail line and the State Highway should be developed.

Open days would be held later this month to find out.

Its resource management manager Phillip Martelli said it was important people thought about "the Omokoroa of the future" with 9000 new residents.

"We want to know what areas people think will be suitable for housing, where a commercial area that complements new houses and other land uses will go, to think about transport links, schools and community facilities, and what types of parks and other recreation spaces will be needed - and how these can all fit together to create a great place to live."

The open days would be held at Omokoroa Community Church on November 24 from 3pm-5pm and November 28 from 7pm-9pm.

Residents wanting to attend can register by emailing charlotte.brisby@westernbay.govt.nz or calling 0800 926 732.

The council said it would develop options for the area following the open days and would then get back in touch with the community for more direction.