Flaxmere village centre master plan approved after years of planning

An artist’s impression of what the village centre street could look like. Image / TW Property

A master plan years in the making, including new roads, shops and a vibrant town centre, has been approved for Flaxmere.

The plan, developed by the village shopping centre’s owners, TW Property and approved by Hastings District Council, will see a new road through the town centre, linking Henderson Rd to Pam O’Keefe Ave and improved public spaces.

TW Property chief executive Terry May said the plan would create a more connected and vibrant town centre.

“The project will be delivered in stages, with timing dependent on ongoing discussions with existing tenants,” May said.

“We have spent time in Flaxmere understanding how people use the town centre, and that has informed our approach to the layout and design.”

He said the master plan aligned with long-standing Flaxmere community plans and incorporated cultural design elements, including Te Aranga principles and the Pāharakeke Flaxmere narrative.

It also complemented other developments led by TW Property in Flaxmere, including a new Woolworths supermarket, due to be completed mid-year, and 120 homes planned for the Gumtree area over the next few years.

Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum said Flaxmere had waited a long time for this moment.

“Finally, there is a clear path towards a town centre that reflects the pride, identity and potential of this community,” Schollum said.

She said the master plan was a step toward a safer, better-connected centre, with more opportunities for local people and businesses.

“It’s important to be clear that TW Property owns the shopping centre and is leading and funding its redevelopment.”

She said the council’s role was to make sure the wider public infrastructure and spaces around the development were right for Flaxmere, and that the project went through the proper planning processes.

Flaxmere Ward councillor Henare O’Keefe said the plan supported long-term pride and opportunity for the community.

“This is about our people seeing themselves in our town centre, that it’s a place that is safe, welcoming and full of life.

He said there had been a lot of talk about the opportunities in Flaxmere. Now it is “our season and our time”, O’Keefe said.

Shop owners previously told Hawke’s Bay Today they were excited about the vision for the village.

The council said endorsing the master plan did not approve construction, land sales, or changes to council facilities.

“Any next steps will need to go through formal processes, including assessment against planning rules, independent valuation and council decisions on any land divestment.”

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.