Growing pains in Waipa: 25,000 more people estimated

Work is underway to build houses in Waipa District to meet growing demand.

Massive growth projected for the Waipa district has prompted a formal review of the district's growth strategy.

A further 25,000 people are expected to live in the district by 2050, bringing Waipa's population to nearly 75,000. The increase will mean a further 14,000 people for Cambridge, 5400 in Te Awamutu and Kihikihi and more than 6000 additional residents spread around the rest of the district.

Deputy chief executive David Hall said the district's growth strategy was adopted in 2009. But rapid growth meant a review was needed.

We're estimating a further 13,200 homes will be needed in Waipa by 2050 to house new residents and we need to be planning for that well and planning for it early.

"We're estimating a further 13,200 homes will be needed in Waipa by 2050 to house new residents and we need to be planning for that well and planning for it early," Mr Hall said.

"Before we develop land, build houses and create roads we need to know clearly where everything will go so developers have a comprehensive blueprint to follow."

To help plan, council identifies likely growth areas called growth cells. Detailed planning then begins for those growth cells to accommodate roads, what type of development will be included, what parks and green spaces are needed and where services like shops, water and wastewater will go.

Council is conducting formal consultation on the draft Waipa 2050 District Growth Strategy.

In Te Awamutu eight residential growth cells and two industrial growth cells are signalled for development before 2035.

The draft strategy contains details on two new plans in northwest Cambridge bordering the town belt. The plans allow for more than 3500 new houses as well as two new neighbourhood shopping centres.

The draft growth strategy details likely growth and development scenarios for Hamilton Airport as well as Ohaupo, Ngahinapouri, Karapiro, Pirongia, Pukeatua, Rukuhia, Te Miro and Te Pahu.

A booklet called What's the Story? has been developed to summarise what's proposed.

The booklet is available from council offices and libraries and is online at www.futurewaipa.co.nz.
Public feedback is being sought on the draft strategy until early June.

Community feedback will be sought at open days in both Cambridge and Te Awamutu during May. On this side of the district public information and feedback sessions will be held in the Te Awamutu library community room tomorrow and Tuesday, May 9 from 4pm-7pm.